Objective: To study the effect of antisense EGFR RNA on the growth of human malignant glioma cells.
Methods: An antisense EGFR expression vector was constructed and introduced into human malignant glioma cells. PCR analysis was used to determine which clones were successfully transfected with antisense EGFR constructs. Western blotting analysis was used to determine EGFR protein level in the transfected cells. The in vitro growth and their ability to grow in soft agar were studied.
Results: Western blotting analysis showed six clones stably expressing lower levels of EGFR protein. Antisense EGFR RNA was found to inhibit the proliferation of human malignant glioma cells and their ability to grow in soft agar. There was a negative correlation between the growth inhibiting effect of antisense EGFR and EGFR protein expression.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that EGFR play an pivotal role in human malignant glioma cell growth. Antisense EGFR can inhibit the growth of human malignant glioma cells.