Conclusion
Our findings suggest that ING4 gene delivery using prepared PEI-based nonviral delivery systems is a promising approach for breast cancer treatment.
Methods
Polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based non-viral vectors were synthesized and characterized for plasmid DNA delivery. Complexation was achieved via electrostatic interactions between the synthesized polymeric vectors and plasmid DNA. Characterization studies were conducted by testing Sodium dodecyl sulfate-induced complexation, Deoxyribonuclease I protection, and serum stability of the polyplexes. Subsequently, polyplexes were tested on MCF-7 cells for anticancer activity using the XTT cell viability assay. Western blot analysis was performed for the ING4 protein.
Results
Polyplexes carrying the ING4 gene exhibited significantly lower cell viability than control polyplexes (p=0.0067). During the 5-day viability assay, the lowest cell viability was observed on day 4. Approximately 69.11±2.18% cell viability was observed with ING4 treatment and the control group showed no cell death on day 4 (101.53±5.06%). The prepared delivery systems did not show a toxic effect on MCF-7 cells treated alone. In addition, the MCF10A normal mammary cell line was used as a positive control. Western blotting was performed to confirm the overexpression of ING4 protein in the treatment groups. Unlike in the control groups, the overexpression of ING4 was clear in the wells of the treatment group.