[Inhibition of telomerase with hTERT antisense enhances TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells PC3].

Objective: To investigate the inhibiting effect of telomerase with hTERT antisense on TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells PC3.

Methods: Antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (AS PS-ODN) was synthesized and purified. Telomerase activity was measured by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and telomerase PCR-ELISA Kit, cell viability was determined by MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was observed by morphological method and determined by flow cytometry.

Results: AS PS-ODN could significantly inhibit the telomerase activity and increase the susceptibility of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of PC3 cells.

Conclusion: Inhibition of telomerase with hTERT antisense can enhance TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.