Objective: To investigate the feasibility of gene therapy for human gliomas with vascular endothelial growth factor(165) (VEGF(165)) antisense RNA.
Methods: The eukaryotic expression vector of antisense VEGF(165) was constructed and identified. Then the vector was transfected into human glioma cells (SHG44). The biological characteristics and tumorigenesis of SHG44 cells before and after transfection were inspected and compared. The changes were detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, micrangium counting, electron microscopy and flow cytometry.
Results: The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA-AVEGF(165) was successfully constructed and transfected into SHG44 glioma cells. The characterstics of the cells were not influenced by the expression of antisense gene. The capability of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of the transfected cells in nude mices was greatly reduced (tumour end volume, experiment group 212 mm(3); control group 7 897 mm(3); P < 0.01; Blood vessel counting: experiment group, 5.50; control group 11.22; P < 0.01 ).
Conclusion: The angiogenesis and tumor growth of human gliomas are effectively inhibited by VEGF(165) antisense RNA. This experiment lays a foundation for solid tumor-specific gene therapy.