Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting the Messenger RNA Encoding Proliferation Cell Nuclear Antigen Mediated by Liposome Transfection

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antisense oligonucleotides mediated by liposome transfection on hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation. Methods The antisense oligonucleotides were complementary to 18 mer sequences next to the start codon of PCNA mRNA sequences. The human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel 7404 was treated with antisense oligonucleotides. The inhibition of proliferation was estimated by MTT method. We compared the deference between the liposome mediated transfection technique and direct transfection technique. Results The cell proliferation was inhibited effectively by antisense oligonucleotides. A sense sequence oligomer showed no effect.Liposome mediated transfection could enhance the inhibitory effect. Conclusion Liposome mediated transfection could enhance the inhibitory effect of PCNA antisense oligonucleotides on hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation.