Effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide of telomerase RNA on telomerase activity and cell apoptosis in human colon cancer.

Aim: To explore the effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (As-ODN) of telomerase RNA on telomerase activity and cell apoptosis in human colon cancer.

Methods: As-ODN was transfected into SW480 cells by liposomal transfection reagent. Telomerase activity of SW480 cells was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis was analyzed by morphology and flow cytometry.

Results: The telomerase activity in SW480 cells transfected with 1.0 micromol/L of As-ODN for 2-5 days, was significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner, and the cells underwent apoptosis. The missense ODN (Ms-ODN) and the control group transfected with SW480 cells did not show these changes.

Conclusion: As-ODN can specifically inhibit the telomerase activity of SW480 cells and induce apoptosis.