Carbon nanotube-delivered iC9 suicide gene therapy for killing breast cancer cells in vitro.

Abstract

To induce a safe death to MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line through gene therapy based on iC9 suicide gene. To induce apoptosis to MCF-7 cell line, iC9 gene was transfected using pyridine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Then, to enhance chemotherapy, iC9 suicide gene therapy was performed alongside. The results show that the MCF-7 cells were efficiently eliminated in a high percentage by this approach. Furthermore, the suicide gene by itself/in combination with the chemotherapeutic drugs managed to pass the cell cycle arrests. We introduced an in vitro treatment approach based on suicide gene therapy and the first step was taken toward the enhancement of chemotherapy, although more investigation is required.