Effect of decitabine on proliferation and differentiation of K562 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of decitabine (Dacogen, DAC) on the proliferation and differentiation of K562 cells. METHODS: The K562 cells were treated with different concentrations of DAC. The colony formation ability of the cells was detected by the colony formation assay with semi-solid culture. The cell viability was detected with MTT assay. The morphologic features were observed under inverted microscope with Wright's staining. The changes of the cell cycle distribution and the expression of CD11b and CD42b were analyzed with flow cytometry. The protein expression of CDK2, cyclin E1, P27, GATA-1 and PU.1 in the K562 cells was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: DAC significantly decreased the colony number of the cells and cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The morphological changes of the cells displayed partial differentiation. After treated the K562 cells with DAC for 72 h, the cell proportion in S phase was obviously decreased, while the cell proportion in G₂/M phase was obviously increased in a dose-dependent manner. After treated the K562 cells with DAC for 7 d, the percentage of CD11b and CD14 positive cells was further elevated, and the protein expression of P27, GATA-1 and PU.1 was increased. However, the protein expression of CDK2 and cyclin E1 was decreased. CONCLUSION: DAC inhibits the proliferation and induces differentiation of the K562 cells via regulation of cell cycle.     

Expression relevance of GATA-1 and miR-451a in erythroid differentiation of K562 cells under hypoxia

AIM To investigate the expression relevance of GATA binding protein-1 (GATA-1) and microR?NA-451a (miR-451a) in erythroid differentiation of human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells under hypoxia. METHODS The K562 cells were divided into 2 groups: normoxia group and hypoxia (1% O₂) group, and 40 μmol/L hemin chloride was used to induce K562 cell differentiation for 48 and 72 h. The mRNA expression of γ-globin was detected by RT-qPCR, hemoglobin production was observed by benzidine staining, and flow cytometry was used to detect CD235a expression for verifying erythroid differentiation model. The protein expression of GATA-1 during K562 cell differentiation under normoxia and hypoxia was determined by Western blot. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of GATA-1 and the expression level of miR-451a, and their correlation was analysis. The K562 cells were infected by lentivirus for over-expression or knock-down of GATA-1. Meanwhile, the morphological changes of the cells in the above groups were analyzed by Wright-Giemsa staining method to clarify the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. The expression miR-451a was detected by RT-qPCR after GATA-1 over-expression or knock-down. REULTS: Under normoxia and hypoxia conditions, the expression levels of γ?-globin and CD235a and the positive rate of benzidine staining at 48 and 72 h were significantly higher than those at 0 h (P<0.05).At 72 h, the expression levels of γ?-globin and CD235a and the benzidine staining positive rate in hypoxia group were significantly higher than normoxia group (P<0.05). The expression of GATA-1 mRNA and miR-451a under hypoxia showed an upward trend during the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, and was significantly higher than that in normoxia group at 72 h (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the mRNA expression of GATA-1 was positively correlated with miR-451a expression under hypoxia (P<0.01). After over-expression of GATA-1 under hypoxia, the expression of γ-globin and CD235a, the positive rate of benzidine staining, and the cell counts of size augmentation, nuclear deflection and nuclear shrinkage at 72 h were significantly higher than those in negative control group (P<0.05). After knock-down of GATA-1 under hypoxia, the expression of γ-globin and CD235a, the benzidine staining positive rate, and the cell counts of size augmentation, nuclear deflection and nuclear shrinkage at 72 h were significantly lower than those in negative control group (P<0.05). Compared with negative control group under hypoxia, the expression of miR-451a was significantly increased after GATA-1 over-expression (P<0.05), while the expression of miR-451a was significantly decreased after GATA-1 knock-down (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Hypoxia increases the expression of GATA-1 and then up-regulates miR-451a to promote erythroid differentiation of K562 cells.     

Construction of SETD2 gene knockout nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell strains using CRISPR/Cas9 technique and analysis of their proliferation property

AIM:To establish SETD2 gene knockout nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell strains based on CRIPSR/Cas9 technique and to analyze their proliferation characteristics. METHODS:Sub-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of SETD2 in immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP-69, well differentiated NPC cell line CNE1, poorly-differentiated NPC cell line CNE2Z and undifferentiated NPC cell line C666-1, and the SETD2 high expression cell line CNE1 was screened. The proliferation ability of CNE1 cells before and after the SETD2 gene knockout was analyzed by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins was detected by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with NP-69 cells, the expression of SETD2 was decreased gradually in CNE1, CNE2Z and C666-1 cells (P<0.01). Based on the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, 2 monoclonal cell strains with SETD2 gene stable knockout, named CNE1-SETD2-KO-#5 and #9, were successfully screened from total 15 monoclones. The results of CCK-8 and plate colony formation assay confirmed that the proliferation ability of CNE1-SETD2-KO-#5 and #9 cells was significantly enhanced compared with CNE1-WT cells (P<0.05). The results of flow cytometry analysis showed that the G₁ phase of CNE1-SETD2-KO-#5 and #9 cells was decreased, while the G₂/M and S phases were increased significantly (P<0.05). The results of Western blot confirmed the increases in the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, cyclin B1, cyclin A2, cyclin E1, cyclin-dependent kinases 2 (CDK2) and CDK4, and the decrease in the protein level of p21 after SETD2 gene knockout (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The NPC cell strains with SETD2 gene knockout were successfully constructed based on CRISPR/Cas9 technique. SETD2 expression correlates with cell differentiation status in the NPC cells. SETD2 gene knockout promotes NPC cell proliferation by up-regulating cyclin D1, cyclin B1, cyclin A2, cyclin E1, CDK2 and CDK4, and down-regulating p21 expression.     

Effect of beclin-1 gene silencing on TuAKe-injured gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells

AIM: To observe the effect of beclin-1 silencing by the technique of RNA interference on the injury of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell by Sheliugu extract (the extract from tuber of Amorphophallus konjac, TuAKe). METHODS: To knock down the expression of beclin-1 gene, SGC-7901 cells were transfected with lentiviral vector carrying beclin-1-shRNA. The beclin-1 gene knock-down and non-knock-down SGC-7901 cells were treated with TuAKe. The cell viability was analyzed by CKK-8 assay. The percentages of apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of beclin-1 and LC3 was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The beclin-1 gene silencing decreased the protein expression of beclin-1 and increased the protein expression of LC3 in the SGC-7901 cells, leading to the decrease in cell viability and the increase in apoptotic rate (P<0.05). TuAKe increased the protein expression of beclin-1 and LC3 in the SGC-7901 cells, and decreased the protein expression of LC3 in the SGC-7901 cells with beclin-1 gene silencing, thus inhibiting the cell viability and increasing the apoptotic rate (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Beclin-1 gene silencing inhibits the activation of beclin-1-related signaling pathway in gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, and aggravates the injury of cell viability induced by TuAKe.     

Effects of miRNA-25 on proliferation of human esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma cell line TE1

AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-25(miRNA-25) on the proliferation of human esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma cell line TE1. METHODS: The abundance of miRNA-25 in different tissues was measured by RT-PCR. After silencing or over-expression of miRNA-25 with mimics or inhibitor in TE1 cells, the cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and the expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2(CDK2) at mRNA and protein levels were measured by CCK-8 assay, BrdU detection, flow cytometry, RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: miRNA-25 was prominent in esophageal mucosal tissue and highly expressed in TE1 cells (P<0.05). Over-expression of miRNA-25 increased TE1 cell proliferation, promoted the cell cycle progression and enhanced the entrance of the cells into S phase (P<0.05). Inverse results were obtained after down-regulation of miRNA-25(P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression of cyclin E1 and CDK2 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased after over-expression of miRNA-25, but decreased after down-regulation of miRNA-25(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: miRNA-25 enhances cell cycle transition by increasing the expression of cyclin E1 and CDK2, thus accelerating TE1 cell proliferation. This study provides a novel mechanism by which miRNA-25 increases the proliferation of human esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma cell line TE1, suggesting that down-regulation of miRNA-25 may be a potential new therapeutic strategy for treating esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma.     

Role of Daxx in inhibiting megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

AIM: To examine the effects of death domain-associated protein (Daxx) overexpression on the viability and megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells. METHODS: Daxx overexpression in the K562 cells was established. The expression of Daxx was detected by fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot after transfection. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability after overexpression of Daxx. The expression of CD41 and CD61 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced K562 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The protein levels of Daxx and p-ERK were determined by Western blot. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-reducing test was used to assess leukemia cell differentiation in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells and control cells. The expression of CD41 and CD61 induced by PMA in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of Daxx and p-ERK were also examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The stable overexpression of Daxx in the K562 cells was established. The viability was reduced in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells. The expression of CD41 and CD61 was significantly increased after PMA induction in the K562 cells (P < 0.01). The protein expression of Daxx was reduced, but the protein level of p-ERK was increased. The expression of CD41 and CD61 was reduced after PMA induction in Daxx-overexpressing K562 cells (P < 0.01). The protein level of p-ERK was also reduced. CONCLUSION: Daxx overexpression inhibits the growth, megakaryocytic differentiation and production of p-ERK in the K562 cells.     

Suppression of mel18 enhances differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL60 induced by cinnamaldehyde

AIM: To investigate the effect of suppression of mel18 gene on the differentiation of human acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL60 induced by cinnamaldehyde (CA). METHODS: HL60 cells were treated with low concentration of CA or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). shRNAmel18 vector and shRNALuc control vector were employed to package lentiviruses which were then used to infect HL60 cells. The virus-infected HL60 cells were treated with low concentration of CA, and ATRA was used as a positive control of differentiation-inducing agent. The differentiation markers on the cell surface and cell cycle of virus-infected HL60 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to determine the expression of MEL18, cyclin D1 and p27, as well as the phosphorylation level of Akt. RESULTS: Low concentration of CA and ATRA increased the expression of granulocytic differentiation marker CD11b on the HL60 cells, with the decreased expression of MEL18 in the HL60 cells. The expression of MEL18 decreased in shmel18 virus-infected HL60 cells (shmel18-HL60 cells), but did not change in shLuc-HL60 cells. The expression of CD11b on shmel18-HL60 cells increased with G₁-phase arrest, which went even higher after treatment with CA. The phosphorylation level of Akt and the expression of cyclin D1 decreased in shmel18-HL60 cells with the increase in the expression of p27. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of mel18 gene leads HL60 cell granulocytic differentiation. mel18 gene may affect the differentiation of HL60 cells by regulating cyclin D1 and p27 via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is also involved in CA-induced differentiation of HL60 cells by suppressing mel18 gene expression.     

Expression of miRNA-93 in acute lymphocytic leukemia

AIM: To investigate the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-93 in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and its effect on the proliferation of acute T-cell leukemia Jurkat cells.METHODS: The expression of miRNA-93 in the bone marrow samples of patients with ALL was measured by real-time PCR. After down-regulation of miRNA-93 by transfection with miRNA-93 inhibitor in the Jurkat cells, the cell viability, cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were detected by CCK-8 assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, the protein levels of cell cycle-related molecules such as cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), phosphorylation retinoblastoma (Rb) and P27 were measured by Western blot.RESULTS: miRNA-93 was highly expressed in the patients with ALL, and the expression level was highest in the high risk patients. Down-regulation of miRNA-93 inhibited Jurkat cell viability, arrested cell cycle in G₁/S transition. In addition, the protein levels of cyclin D1, CDK4 and p-Rb were significantly decreased, the protein expression of P27 was increased in Jurkat cells trasfected with miRNA-93 inhibitor.CONCLUSION: miRNA-93 expression is increased in ALL patients. Down-regulation of miRNA-93 restrains cell proliferation in the acute T cell leukemia cell line Jurkat via regulating cell cycle-related molecules.     

PCDH10 inhibits proliferation of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by NF-κB/cyclin D1 signaling pathway

AIM To investigate the inhibitory effect of protocadherin 10 （PCDH10） on proliferation of human breast cancer cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of PCDH10 in 4 human breast cancer cell lines and normal mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells. The breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 with stable PCDH10 overexpression was constructed by recombinant lentivirus （pLV-PCDH10） infection, and blank control （blank） group and negative control （pLV-NC） group were also set up. The cell proliferation ability was detected using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） and colony formation experiments. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to determine the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 （CDK4）, nucear factor-κB p65 subunit （NF-κB p65） and NF-κB inhibitor α （IκBα）. RESULTS The mRNA expression levels of PCDH10 in 4 breast cancer cell lines were lower than that in normal mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells （P<0.05）. A breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 with stable PCDH10 overexpression was constructed successfully. Compared with negative control group, PCDH10 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest at G₁ phase, down-regulated the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4, and decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα（P<0.05）. CONCLUSION PCDH10 inhibits the proliferation and blocks cell cycle progression of breast cancer cells by targeting NF-κB/cyclin D1 signaling pathway.     

FoxM1 promotes development of AML by regulating Bcl-2 expression

AIM: To investigate the role of Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine the expression of FoxM1 at mRNA and protein levels in AML-de novo patients, AML-complete remission (CR) patients, AML-refractoriness and relapse (RR) patients and healthy controls. HL60 cells and K562 cells were transfected with FoxM1 siRNA. The cell proliferation was detected by cell proliferation assay and colony formation assay on soft agar, and the cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of FoxM1 and Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The activity of bcl-2 promoter was examined by luciferase reporter assay with FoxM1 targetting. RESULTS: FoxM1 expression level in the AML-de novo patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls. As compared with the AML-de novo patients, FoxM1 expression in the AML-CR patients was reduced, and the FoxM1 expression level was the highest in the AML-RR patients. FoxM1 expression was inhibited in the HL60 cells and K562 cells transfected with FoxM1 siRNA. Transfection with FoxM1 siRNA in the HL60 cells and K562 cells inhibited the proliferation as compared with NC siRNA transfection, and impaired the colony formation ability. On the contrary, transfection with FoxM1 siRNA promoted the cell apoptosis. FoxM1 regulated bcl-2 expression positively. CONCLUSION: FoxM1 promotes the development of AML by regulating bcl-2 expression. Silencing of FoxM1 expression suppresses cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis. FoxM1 is a potential target for AML treatment.     

Effect of 7-hydroxyisoflavone on HCT116 cells proliferation by Id1

AIM:To investigated the effect of 7-hydroxyisoflavone (7-HIF) on the proliferation, apoptosis and stem-like cell feature of colorectal cancer cells. METHODS:The effect of 7-HIF on the proliferation of HCT116 cells was detected by WST-1 assay and colony formation assay. The effects of 7-HIF on the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis in the HCT116 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of cell-cycle related proteins and the stemness related proteins was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:After treated with 7-HIF (200 μmol/L), the viability of HCT116 cells was inhibited, and the size and number of the colony were decreased as compared with control group (P<0.05). The G₀/G₁ phase of the cell cycle was increased. The proportion of S phase was decreased and the cells were mainly arrested in G₀/G₁ phase. The apoptotic rate of HCT116 cells was 21.4%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.1%). The results of Western blot revealed that the expression of inhibitor of differentiation 1(Id1) was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of cell cycle markers cyclin D1 and cyclin E, the proliferative markers survivin and PCNA, and stem cell markers CD133, ALCAM and EpCAM were all down-regulated by 7-HIF treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:7-HIF inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, and inhibits the stem-like cell feature, which may be related to Id1 inhibition.     

Effect of ARMCX1 on proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer SiHa cells

AIM: To observe the effect of Armadillo repeat-containing X-linked protein 1 (ARMCX1) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human cervical cancer SiHa cells by knock-down of ARMCX1 expression with small interfering RNA. METHODS: After knock-down of ARMCX1 expression, the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of SiHa cells were detected by flow cytometry. The proliferation of SiHa cells was observed by plate colony formation assay after knock-down of ARMCX1 for 10 d. The protein levels of cell proliferation-and apoptosis-related molecules were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: After knock-down of ARMCX1 expression in the SiHa cells, the cell colony formation ability was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05), the cell cycle was arrested in S phase, and the protein levels of cyclin E and cell division cycle 25A (Cdc25A) in the SiHa cells were decreased. Meanwhile, knock-down of ARMCX1 expression promoted the apoptosis of SiHa cells, significantly reduced the protein expression of Bcl-2, and significantly increased the protein levels of Bax and active caspase-3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Knock-down of ARMCX1 expression inhibits the proliferation of SiHa cells and induces apoptosis.     

Effect of di-indolyl thiozoline on proliferation of lung cancer A549 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of di-indolyl thiozoline (DIIT) on the proliferation of human lung cancer A549 cells. METHODS: The effects of DIIT on the proliferation of human lung cancer A549 cell line were determined by CCK-8 assay and EdU assay. The effects of DIIT on the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), cyclin D1, and the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: After the A549 cells were treated with DIIT at 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L, the cell viability detected by CCK-8 assay was decreased by 12%, 27% (P<0.01), 33% (P<0.01) and 52% (P<0.01), respectively, compared with DMSO control group. The EdU positive cell number determined by EdU assay was decreased by 10%, 21% (P<0.05), 26% (P<0.05) and 34% (P<0.01), respectively, compared with DMSO control group. Compared with DMSO control group, DIIT inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR and the expression of cyclin CDK4 and cyclin D1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Di-indolyl thiozoline inhibits the proliferation of A549 cells, which may be related to the decreases in phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR and the inhibition of cell cycle-related protein expression.     

Effects of down-regulation of AEG-1 expression on cell cycle and invasion of human cervical carcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of down-regulation of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) expression on cell cycle and invasion of human cervical carcinoma SiHa cells.METHODS: The protein expression of AEG-1 was detected by Western blotting in normal cervical tissues, cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues, HeLa cells, SiHa cells and CaSki cells. Control siRNA or AEG-1 siRNA was transfected into SiHa cells, and the protein expression of AEG-1 in SiHa cells was detected by Western blotting. The changes of cell cycle distribution and cell invasion were determined by flow cytometry and Boyden chamber, respectively. The protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 2(CDK2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS: The protein expression of AEG-1 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in normal cervical tissues (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the protein expression of AEG-1 in the 3 cervical carcinoma cell lines was obviously higher than that in normal cervical tissues, in which SiHa cells displayed the highest AEG-1 protein level (P<0.05). In addition, AEG-1 siRNA effectively down-regulated the protein expression of AEG-1 in SiHa cells, which led to increase the percentage at G0/G1 phase and reduced the invasion of SiHa cells. Furthermore, the protein levels of cyclin D1, CDK2 and MMP-9 in AEG-1 siRNA group were markedly lower than those in non-treatment group and control siRNA group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Over-expression of AEG-1 may be closely associated with the occurrence and development of cervical carcinoma, and the AEG-1 down-regulation-mediated cell cycle arrest and attenuation of invasion may be tightly related to the down-regulations of cyclin D1, CDK2 and MMP-9 at protein levels.     

Effect of miR-16 on megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

AIM: To observe the effect of microRNA-16 (miR-16) on the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells, and to explore the potential mechanism.METHODS: miR-16 was over-expressed or silenced by transfection with miR-16 mimics or inhibitor in K562 cells. The level of miR-16 was detected by real-time PCR. The expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61, as megakaryocytic differentiation markers, was detected by flow cytometry. The effect of miR-16 on the expression of myeloblastosis oncogene (MYB) was measured by Western blotting, and flow cytometry was performed to confirm whether the effect of miR-16 on expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61 was mediated by MYB.RESULTS: Transfection with miR-16 mimics dramatically elevated the level of miR-16 and the expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61 in the K562 cells. Transfection with miR-16 inhibitor decreased the level of miR-16 and the expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61 in the K562 cells (P<0.05). The expression of MYB was regulated by miR-16, and MYB silencing reversed the regulation of CD41, CD42b and CD61 induced by miR-16.CONCLUSION: miR-16 regulates the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells by targeting MYB.     

Effect of ClC-3 siRNA on cell cycle of HeLa cells

AIM: To investigate the roles of ClC-3 chloride channels in the regulation of cell cycle and the relationship between ClC-3 chloride channels and the cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4, CDK6, P21 and P27 in the HeLa cells.METHODS: ClC-3 genes were silenced by the siRNA technique in the HeLa cells. The transfection efficiency of ClC-3 siRNA was detected by real-time PCR. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by the flow cytometry. The protein expression of ClC-3, P21, P27, CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1 was determined by Western blot.RESULTS: ClC-3 was knocked down by ClC-3 siRNA in the HeLa cells. Transfection of the cells with ClC-3 siRNA arrested the cells at G₀/G₁ phases, decreased the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6, and increased the expression of P21 and P27.CONCLUSION: ClC-3 plays an important role in the cell cycle of HeLa cells through the G₁-S transition point. ClC-3 may regulate the cell cycle progression by up-regulation of cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6 expression and/or by down-regulation of P21 and P27 expression.     

Inhibition of c-Myc by 10058-F4 overcomes imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia cells

AIM：To investigate the effect of c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 on human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cells and imatinib-resistant K562/G cells. METHODS：The protein expression of c-Myc was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and colony formation assay. PI staining was used to determine the cell cycle distribution. Annexin V-PI staining was applied for apoptosis detection. RESULTS：Imatinib-resistant K562/G cells displayed lower sensitivity to imatinib than K562 cells with high expression of c-Myc. Treatment with specific c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and K562/G displayed more sensitivity to 10058-F4 than K562 cells. 10058-F4 also induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and induced apoptotic cell death in the 2 cells. Importantly, 10058-F4 suppressed the colony formation ability in K562 and K562/G cells. CONCLUSION：c-Myc is a novel target to overcome imatinib-induced drug resistance, and c-Myc inhibitor provides a new approach in CML therapy.     

Effect of IGFBP7 on proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

AIM: To investigate the mechanism that insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. METHODS: Plasmid pCMV6-IGFBP7 or empty plasmid was transfected into MCF-7 cells. The expression of IGFBP7 in MCF-7 cells after transfection was detected by Western blotting. The effects of IGFBP7 on the colony-forming efficiency and the cell cycle were studied by soft agar colony formation assay and flow cytometry,respectively. The effects of IGFBP7 on the expression of ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, CDK2, p21^CIP1/WAF1, p27^KIP1, p53, Rb and p-Rb in MCF-7 cells were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Only the transfectant of pCMV6-IGFBP7 expressed IGFBP7. IGFBP7 remarkably reduced colony-forming efficiency (P<0.01) and G₀/G₁ arrest (P<0.01), inhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (P<0.01), down-regulated cyclin D1 and cyclin E (P<0.01), up-regulated p27^KIP1, p21^CIP1/WAF1 and p53 (P<0.01), and inhibited phosphorylation of Rb (P<0.01) in MCF-7 cells. PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2, imitated part of the tumor-suppressing activity of IGFBP7. CONCLUSION: IGFBP7 inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by down-regulating cyclin D1 and cyclin E, up-regulating p27^KIP1, p21^CIP1/WAF1 and p53 and inhibiting phosphorylation of Rb. ERK1/2 signaling pathway might be involved in the regulation of cyclin D1 and p27^KIP1 by IGFBP7.     

Cell cycle in aging model of WI-38 cells induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of cell cycle in aging model induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide(t-BHP).METHODS: From the 30th population doubling(PD), WI-38 cells were exposed for 1 h to t-BHP at every two PDs and four stresses were induced. The cell morphology and ultrastructure, cell cycle assay and β-galactosidase cytochemistry staining were used to evaluate cell senescence. Then the levels of CDK4, CDK2, cyclin D1, cyclin E, p21 and p16 protein were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS: After four times treated with 100 μmol/L t-BHP, the proliferation and division in WI-38 cells were ceased, which showed that cell became larger and flat, the number of secondary lysosome and activity of SA-β-galactosidase were increased. In addition, the percentage of cells in the G1 phase was decreased. Furthermore, it showed that the protein levels of CDK4, CDK2 and cyclin E was reduced and cyclin D1, p21 and p16 was elevated.CONCLUSION: t-BHP induces senescence in WI-38 cells. The possible mechanism is that t-BHP can change the expression of proteins related with cell cycle.