In LNCaP Cells Inhibition of BCL-2 by Antisense Oligonucleonucleotides Results in Compensatory Changes in Apoptosis

Antisense oligonucleotides (oligos) have been evaluated for treating prostate cancer in both in vivo and in vitro models. Although most oligos contain a single mRNA binding site, our laboratory evaluates bi-specific oligos directed towards two proteins. This study evaluates the growth inhibition in vitro of the LNCaP cell line employing mono- and bispecific oligos directed against BCL-2 [the second binding site was directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)]. These oligos were administered with lipofectin as part of a nanoparticle delivery system. Additionally, g, the expression of five apoptosis regulatory proteins, BCL-2, bax, caspase-3, clusterin and AKT-1 was evaluated by RTPCR.