Antisense Inhibition of the RAD51 Enhances Radiosensitivity

Abstract

The mammalianRAD51gene is a homologue of the yeastRAD51andE. coli RecAgenes, which are involved in recombination and DNA repair. We examined the role of RAD51 protein in mouse cells usingRAD51antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (ODNs). The extraluminal delivery of 50 nM or 100 nM of antisense ODNs with lipofectin to mouse cells resulted 90% suppression of RAD51 protein expression. The antisense ODNs significantly inhibited the cell growth and the treated cells became more sensitive to γ-irradiation than the control groups. These results indicate mouse RAD51 plays an essential role in cell proliferation and radioresistant activity.