Killing effect of mutant herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase on rat C6 glioma cells

Abstract

Objective To explore the killing effect of mutant herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-sr39tk) and its wild type (HSV1-tk) on rat C6 glioma cells after Ganciclovir (GCV) treatment. Methods Eukaryotic expressing vector pcDNA3.1 containing HSV1-tk or HSV1-sr39tk was transfected into C6 cells and identified with RT-PCR. GCV killing efficiencies after gene transfer of HSV1-tk or HSV1-sr39tk were observed and compared in vitro and in vivo. Results 308bp DNA fragment was amplified through RT-PCR in both cells transfected with HSV1-tk (C6/tk) and those with HSV1-sr39tk (C6/sr39tk). As the prodrug GCV concentrations increasing from 0 μmol/L to 400 μmol/L, the cell survival rates in C6/sr39tk group declined from (99.96 ± 3.54) % to (4. 75 ± 1.79) %, while in C6/tk group from (100.03±2. 95)% to (59. 16±3.48)% and in C6 group from(100. 29±1.20)% to (83.62 ±7.56)%. There was a significant difference in killing effect among C6、C6/tk and C6/sr39tk group after GCV treatment(P < 0. 05). In vivo experiment, the rate of tumor formation was 100%. After 10 day treatment of GCV following tumor formation, tumors in animals implantated with C6/sr39tk、C6/tk or C6 got an average volume equaling (574. 08±107.72) mm3、(928.47±165.61) mm3 and (1287.24±364. 84) mm3 respectively. The most powerful tumor growth inhibition was observed in C6/sr39tk + GCV group, with an inhibition rate of tumor growth about 55.40%. Conclusion C6 cells transfected with HSV1-sr39tk were more sensitive to GCV than those with HSV1-tk both in vitro and in vivo, and thus HSV1-sr39tk can be considered as a mean to improve the overall efficacy of the HSV1-tk/GCV suicide gene system. Key words: Glioma; Mutant herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase; Suicide gene