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

Human Nr-CAM (Neuroglia related Cell Adhesion Molecule) is over expressed in glioblastoma multiforme tissue (GMT) as compared to normal brain tissue (NBT). We transfected a human glioblastoma cell line (2020-CRL) with a vector that overexpresses antisense hNr-CAM using a CMVpromoter. Antisense hNr- CAM caused reduction in the native hNr-CAM expression, changed cell morphology, reduced the cell proliferation 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 glioblastoma cells into nude mice caused complete inhibition of tumor formation as compared to vector only transfected cells. Intra-tumoral inoculation of antisense hNr-CAM expressing plasmid also caused slow tumor growth in nude mice in vivo. On the basis of these results, we conclude that hNr-CAM is a valid target for potential gene therapy of glioblastoma tumors.