In this study we evaluated efficiency of
DNAzymes to modulate motility of
cancer cells, an important factor in the progression and
metastasis of
cancers. For this purpose we targeted β1
integrins that are predominant adhesive receptors in various
carcinoma cell lines (
CX1.1, HT29, LOVO, LS180, PC-3). To evaluate invasiveness of
cancer cells, we used a transwell migration assay that allowed analyzing chemotactic migration of colon
carcinoma cell lines across an ECM-coated membrane. Their adhesive properties were also characterized by the analysis of adhesion to
fibronectin,
laminin and
collagen. In addition, the expression of major
integrin subunits, selected intact β1
integrins, and other adhesive receptors (ICAM,
E-selectin, uPAR) was analyzed by flow cytometry. Inhibition of β1
integrin expression by
DNAzyme to β1
mRNA almost abolished the invasiveness of the
CX1.1, HT29, LS180, LOVO and PC-3 cells in vitro. These data show that
DNAzymes to β1
integrin subunit can be used to inhibit invasiveness of
carcinoma cells.