Telomerase SiRNA inhibits KB cell growth in human oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To test the telomerase SiRNA on telomerase mRNA and on KB cell growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: We synthesized 21-nucleotide SiRNA duplexes with symmetric 2-nucleotide 3' overhangs corresponding to the target sequence (2 657 approximately 2 675 nucleotide downstream of the start codon) of telomerase mRNA. Telomerase activity, cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were measured after transfection. RESULTS: Twenty one-nucleotide small interfering RNA (SiRNA) duplexes specifically suppressed expression of endogenous telomerase mRNA in human oral squamous carcinoma KB cells. This inhibitory effect lasted only for about 48 h after transfection. Telomerase activity reduction corresponded to the mRNA suppression. Cell proliferation decreased by 30% at 48 h after transfection and lasted for 120 h after treatment. This inhibitory effect resulted from the block of G(1) to S transition. Apoptosis was not involved in this process. CONCLUSIONS: SiRNA is a powerful tool for studying gene function and can be used as gene-specific therapeutics.