Inhibition of osteopontin expression and function in oral cancer cell lines by antisense oligonucleotides.

We examined expression and function of osteopontin (OPN) in oral cancer cell lines using antisense oligonucleotide (AS). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that expression in BSC-OF cells was significantly higher (10-fold) than that in KB cell. AS-study showed that foci of AS-treated BSC-OF cells possessed thin processes and radiated morphologically, although BSC-OF cells showed round foci. Cell growth in AS-group was lower (<80%) than the control. Invasion ability in AS-group became significantly lower (P<0.01). These results suggest that BSC-OF cell is useful for over-expression of OPN, and that OPN contributes to morphology, growth and invasion.