Investigation of induction of apoptosis in cancer cells using inhibition of Bcl-2 expression and inhibition of IAPs function

Abstract

One of the most important characteristics of cancer cells is their resistance to apoptosis. Cancer cells experience molecular changes that increase their survival. Therefore, one of the treatment strategies in cancer immunotherapy is to target factors involved in resistance to apoptosis in cancer cells. It has been found that the expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 is increased in cancer cells. On the other hand, the expression of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) is also increased in cancer cells. Therefore, targeting pathways involved in apoptosis including Bcl-2 and IAPs can be considered an effective method in cancer treatment. Materials and methods: This study was performed on CT26 mouse colon cell line. To target Bcl-2 and IAP factors, chitosan-based nanoparticles loaded with anti-Bcl-2 siRNA molecules and BV6 drug were used. In order to investigate the effect of treatment on cell survival, MTT method was used. Also, the effect of treatment on the expression of target genes was evaluated by Real-time PCR method. Results: The results of the study showed that the combined treatment of CT26 cells using nanoparticles loaded with anti-Bcl-2 siRNA and BV6 drug induced cell death. Also, combined treatment decreased the expression of genes involved in cell survival, angiogenesis and metastasis.