Objective:To investigate the growth inhibition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell strain and effect on its tumorigenic ability by AS-ODN targeting telomerase RNA.Methods:Telomerase activity was analysed by PCR-ELISA technique.Proliferation of HNE-1 cells was examined by MTT test and clone formation test.Ultrastructure changes were examined by electron microscope.AS-ODN treated HNE-1 cells were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice to observe tumor growths.Results:When HNE-1 cells were incubated with the AS-ODN targeting telomerase RNA

telomerase activities of HNE-1 cells were significantly inhibited;proliferation of HNE-1 cells was significantly inhibited

which showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent correlation and was sequential specific;swelling or necrosis was found in a small proportion of HNE-1 cells by electron microscopy but no apoptosis and large necrosis area could be found.AS-ODN reduced the tumorigenic ability of HNE-1 cell strain.The tumor formation time was prolonged and tumor growth was slowed down.Conclusion:Through inhibiting the telomerase activity of HNE-1 cell strain

the AS-ODN targeting telomerase RNA can inhibit its growth and reduce its tumorigenic ability.