Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation by Regulating Platelet-Derived Growth Factor B Signaling with a DNA Aptamer

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.

2 Division of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is associated with colorectal
carcinogenesis. PDGF-BB plays a role in the autocrine growth stimulation of cancer cells. Aptamers are short
single-stranded oligonucleotides that can bind to cellular targets with high affinity and specificity and offer the advantage
of non-immunogenicity, non-toxicity and high stability. Thus, they receive interest as potential therapeutic agents.
Methods: The endogenous level of PDGF-BB in Caco-2 and SW480, colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, was evaluated
using ELISA. The effect of the PDGF-BB aptamer on cell proliferation was investigated in two CRC cell lines and
CCD841 CoN, normal colon cells. The effective molar ratio between PDGF-BB and PDGF-BB aptamer was further
explored. Cell viability in all experiments was analyzed using MTS assay. Western blotting was performed to examine
the alteration of relevant signaling pathways. Results: Caco-2 and SW480 cells endogenously synthesized and secreted
PDGF-BB to stimulate their growth. Cells treated with the PDGF-BB aptamer proliferated at a slower rate, but CCD841
CoN did not. Pre-incubation of PDGF-BB with the corresponding aptamer at the molar ratio 1:1 could significantly
silence its proliferative effect on CRC cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2, a
key component in PDGF downstream signaling pathway, was down-regulated by the aptamer, indicating the underlying
mechanism of inhibition of CRC cell proliferation. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that using a DNA aptamer
to interfere with the binding of PDGF-BB to its receptor suppressed CRC cell proliferation in part via down-regulation
of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. It raised the possibility that the PDGF-BB-specific aptamer could be a
promising therapeutic agent for CRC targeted therapy.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 20, Issue 2
February 2019
Pages 487-494

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 May 2018
  • Revise Date: 24 December 2018
  • Accept Date: 25 January 2019

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