Quantum dot-antisense oligonucleotide conjugates for multifunctional gene transfection, mRNA regulation, and tracking of biological processes

Biomaterials. 2011 Mar;32(7):1923-31. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.11.024. Epub 2010 Dec 9.

Abstract

It was demonstrated that oligonucleotides, independent of their base sequence and length, could effectively induce the cellular uptake of mercapto acid-capped CdTe QDs after the oligonucleotides were covalently attached on the surface of the QDs. Following these experimental observations, a conjugate composed of covalently linked anti-survivin antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) and CdTe QDs was designed and synthesized. Then, the survivin mRNA down-regulation and the apoptosis of HeLa cells induced by ASON were studied. Systematic experimental results revealed that CdTe-ASON could effectively induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells, while CdTe QDs offered the possibility to visualize the specific intracellular localization of the CdTe-ASON probes strongly associated with their biological functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Quantum Dots*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • Transfection / methods*

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • RNA, Messenger