Antisense human neuroglia related cell adhesion molecule hNr-CAM, reduces the tumorigenic properties of human glioblastoma cells

Background: Human Nr-CAM (Neuroglia related Cell Adhesion Molecule) is over expressed in glioblastoma multiforme tissue (GMT) as compared to normal br ain tissue (NBT). Materials and Methods: We transfected a human glioblastom a cell line (2020-CRL) with a vector that over-expresses antisense hNr-CAM using a CMVpromoter. Results: Antisense hNr- CAM caused reduction in the na tive hNr-CAM expression, changed cell morphology reduced the cell prolifera tion rate and lengthening of the cell cycle. Furthermore, antisense hNr-CAM overexpression in these cells caused extensive reduction in the number of soft agar colonies and invasion through extra cellular matrix (ECM) gel in vitro. Subcutaneous injection of antisense hNr-CAM overexpressing glioblast oma cells into nude mice caused complete inhibition of tumor formation as c ompared to vector only transfected cells. Intra-tumoral inoculation of anti sense hNr-CAM expressing plasmid also caused slow armor growth in nude mice in vivo. Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we conclude that hNr-C AM is a valid target for potential gene therapy of glioblastoma tumors.