Regulation of gene expression in prostate cancer cells with an artificially constructed promoter responsive to radiation

Gene Ther. 2012 Feb;19(2):219-27. doi: 10.1038/gt.2011.89. Epub 2011 Jun 23.

Abstract

A promoter library was developed that is composed of DNA fragments constructed by randomly elongating the cis-acting elements of transcription factors presumably activated in prostate cancer by radiation, and linking to the TATA-box sequence. One promoter with the strongest reactivity to X-ray in the LNCap cells of the library was chosen and improved by the introduction of random mutations. The resultant promoter was designated clone 880-8, showing the highest dose-dependent activity enhancement with X-ray irradiation (X-irradiation). A recombinant retrovirus expressing the luciferase gene under the control of clone 880-8 was infected into LNCap cells that showed 9.12±0.36-fold enhancement of luciferase activity 12 h after X-irradiation at 10 Gy. When the infected cells were inoculated onto nude mice, enhancement of luciferase expression was 4.27±1.36-fold 12 h after X-irradiation at 10 Gy. When LNCap was infected with another recombinant carrying the fcy::fur gene downstream from clone 880-8, fcy::fur expression was enhanced by X-irradiation. It was also shown to increase the dose-dependent cell killing ratio with 5-FC as compared with a counterpart without X-irradiation. These results suggest that the method used in this study is effective to construct a promoter responsive to stimulation. Such promoters can be used for stimulation-controlled gene therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / radiation effects
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • TATA Box / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transplantation, Heterologous
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • Luciferases