Gene Silencing of TGFβRII Can Inhibit Glioblastoma Cell Growth

Abstract

Objective: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and aggressive type of glioma, associated with a high rate<br />of mortality. The transforming growth factor-β receptor II (TGFβ RII) is involved in glioma initiation and progression.<br />On the other hand, TGFβ RII silencing is critical to the inhibition of GBM. Therefore, we aimed to determine the<br />effects of specific TGFβ RII siRNA on the survival of U-373MG cells. Methods: TGFβ RII siRNA was transfected,<br />and qRT-PCR was performed to examine TGFβ RII mRNA expression. Cell survival was determined using colorimetric<br />MTT assay, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) level was measured in the culture supernatant using<br />ELISA assay. Result: Our findings indicated that specific siRNAs could dose-dependently suppress TGFβ RII mRNA<br />expression after 48 hours. In addition, treatment with TGFβ RII siRNA significantly reduced tumor cell survival and<br />decreased the amount of PDGF-BB protein in the cell culture supernatant. Conclusion: Our results suggest that TGFβ<br />RII silencing can be a promising complementary treatment for glioma.