THE EFFECT OF SILENCING THE WILMS' TUMOR 1 GENE ON THE RADIATION SENSITIVITY OF GLIOBLASTOMA CELLS

Glioblastomas are among the most devastating of human cancers with a median survival of only 9-12 months. This type of brain tumor is incurable, largely due its remarkable proliferative capacity and resistance to current treatments. High levels of the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WTI) gene have been identified in glioblastomas, suggesting an oncogenic function. Moreover, known WT1 target genes have been implicated in resistance to radiation. To determine the role of WT1 in radiation resistance, two glioblastoma cell lines expressing WT1 were treated with siRNAs to silence this gene. Confirmation of WT1 knockdown was achieved through real-time PCR and Western blot. After treatment with siRNA, cells were irradiated, and cell survival was assessed using a luminescent ATP assay and clonogenic survival assay. We demonstrate that treatment with WT1 siRNA increased the radiation sensitivity in both cell lines. These findings suggest that WT1 functions to protect glioblastoma cells from radiation-induced death.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Anatomy & Neurobiology

Year dc:date.available

2006

Author dc:creator

• Chan, Dana C.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. William C. Broaddus

• radiation resistance
• WT1
• cancer
• Anatomy
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Nervous System

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/824

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1823