BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology (Feb 2022)

Bcl-xL DNAzymes promote radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity in colorectal cancer cells via enhancing apoptosis

  • Zhen Yu,
  • Jun Guo,
  • Tao Meng,
  • Lei Ge,
  • Lin Liu,
  • Haijiang Wang,
  • Xinhui Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-022-00553-x
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract Background RNA-cleaving deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes) are catalytic deoxyribonucleic acid molecules that have become a promising new class of gene suppressors by binding and cleaving target mRNA. This study investigated whether DNAzymes targeting Bcl-xL enhanced the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Methods Two types of CRC cells, SW480 and SW837, were transfected with five DNAzymes. Cell viability, Bcl-xL expression and apoptosis were examined. SW480 xenograft model was used to examine the combined effects of Bcl-xL DNAzymes and 5-FU (or X-rays) on tumor growth. Results Three Bcl-xL DNAzymes, DT882, DT883, and DT884 were identified to be effective in suppressing Bcl-xL expression and causing cell apoptosis. Furthermore, DT882 combined with 5-FU or radiotherapy addictively promoted cell apoptosis and significantly inhibited the growth of SW480 xenografts in vivo. Conclusions These results suggest that Bcl-xL DNAzymes can enhance the radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity in CRC cells via inducing apoptosis.

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