Expression and purification of re-constructed human CRP and observation of its internalization into HeLa cells

AIM: To construct prokaryotic expression vector for human C-reactive protein (CRP), to acquire the functional fusion protein purified from BL21(DE3) transformed with vector pET14b/EGFP-hCRP, and to observe the internalization of the fusion protein his-EGFP-CRP into tumor cell line HeLa. METHODS: CRP gene sequence was amplified with the vector p91023/CRP as template by PCR, and was inserted into vector pET14b/MCS-EGFP-(N)36 to construct prokaryotic expression vector. The E. coli cells BL21(DE3) transformed with the re-constructed vector pET14b/EGFP-hCRP was induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), and the expressed protein his-EGFP-CRP were purified with affinity chromatography method and refolded with gradient filtration. The HeLa cells were observed under the fluorescence microscopy after the addition of purified renature protein. RESULTS: The results of identification by PCR, digestion with restriction endonuclease and sequencing indicated the construction of vector pET14b/EGFP-hCRP was correct; the SDS-PAGE showed that the transformed E. coli cells could be induced to express the fusion protein his-EGFP-CRP and the purification of proteins were successful. We could found fluorescent signal around the cell membranes, in the cytoplasm and nuclei in the observation of the HeLa cells incubated with his-EGFP-CRP. CONCLUSION: The prokaryotic expression vector for human CRP linked with his and EGFP coding sequence is successfully constructed. The fusion protein his-EGFP-CRP is purified and refolded. The reconstructed protein expressed by prokaryotic cells adheres to the membrane of tumor cell HeLa and is internalized into the cytoplasm and nuclei of the cells.     

Hsa-miR-218 inhibits growth of cervical cancer HeLa cells by targeting to LASP1

AIM: To study the effect of hsa-miR-218 on cervical cancer HeLa cell growth and the underlying molecular mechanism.METHODS: The lentivirus expression vector pmiR-218 targeting to hsa-miR-218 was constructed. pmiR-218 was transfected into HeLa cells. The number of viable HeLa cells was counted by the method of Trypan blue exclusion. The inhibitory rate of cell activity was detected by WST-8 assay. The expression of LIM and SH3 protein 1(LASP1) at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The interaction between miR-218 and LASP1 was examined using a luciferase reporter assay.RESULTS: The lentivirus expression vector pmiR-218 targeting to hsa-miR-218 was constructed successfully and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Over-expression of miR-218 inhibited the activity of HeLa cells with the inhibitory rates of 15%, 26% and 65% at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The difference between transfection group and blank control/negative control group was statistically significant. The luciferase activity was reduced when co-transfection with miR-218 mimics and LASP1-3,UTR plasmid. The relative expression of miR-218 was increased after transfection with pmiR-218. Over-expression of miR-218 down-regulated the LASP1 expression at mRNA and protein levels by 25% and 75% respectively. Compared with blank control group and negative control group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: pmiR-218 effectively inhibits the growth of HeLa cells in a time-dependent manner. miR-218 targets to the 3,UTR of LASP1, thus down-regulating the expression of LASP1 in HeLa cells.     

Role of autophagolysosomal inhibitor NH4Cl in apoptosis of human cervical cancer HeLa cells induced by vitamin K3

AIM：To investigate the role of autophagolysosomal inhibitor ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) in the apoptosis of human cervical cancer HeLa cells induced by vitamin K3(VK3). METHODS：The HeLa cells were divided into 4 groups：control group, 30 μmol/L VK3 group, 10 mmol/L NH4Cl group and 30 μmol/L VK3+10 mmol/L NH4Cl group. The viability of HeLa cells in each group was measured by MTT assay. The changes of lysosomal membrane in HeLa cells were detected by acridine orange (AO) staining. Autophagic vacuoles in the cells were observed by staining with monodansylcadaverine (MDC). Intracellular acidification in HeLa cells was detected by BCECF-AM flow cytometry analysis. The cells were stained with Hoechst 33342 to determine the chromatin condensation and apoptotic rate. RESULTS：Compared with control group,no effect of NH4Cl on the viability of HeLa cells was observed. In VK3 group, the cell viability decreased. AO staining appeared no change, and the autophagic vacuoles and the cytoplasmic acidification were observed. Nuclear chromatin condensation and cell apoptosis in the cells were also detected. Compared with VK3 group, combination of NH4Cl and VK3 enhanced the lysosomal permeability, the formation of autophagic vacuoles and the cytoplasmic acidification, and exacerbated the apoptosis. CONCLUSION：Autophagolysosomal inhibitor NH4Cl exacerbates apoptosis in HeLa cells, indicating that autophagy exerts protective effect on the process of injury in HeLa cells induced by VK3.     

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.     

Effect of annexin A2 on proliferation,migration and apoptosis of human cervical cancer HeLa cells

AIM：To explore the effect of annexin A2 (ANXA2) on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis abilities of human cervical cancer HeLa cells. METHODS：Overexpression vectors and siRNA of ANXA2 were constructed, and then transfected into HeLa cells. The HeLa cells were divided into 4 groups:control group, scramble group, ANXA2 overexpression group and ANXA2-siRNA group. The expression of ANXA2 at mRNA and protein levels was examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. MTT assay, Boyden chamber and flow cytometry were used to determine the effect of ANXA2 on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis abilities of the HeLa cells. RESULTS：The proliferation and migration of HeLa cells were obviously promoted by ANXA2 overexpression. The proliferation and migration of HeLa cells were remarkably inhibited by the transfection of ANXA2-siRNA. ANXA2 had no effect on apoptosis of HeLa cells. CONCLUSION:Silencing of ANXA2 effectively inhibits the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells, but has little effect on apoptosis. ANXA2 may play a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of cervical cancer, and may be used as a molecular target for the treatment of cervical cancer.     

Radiosensitizing effect of baicalin on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of baicalin on the radiosensitization of HeLa cells. METHODS: The cell activity was determined by MTT assay. The radiosensitivity of HeLa cells was detected by colony formation assay. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of Akt, p-Akt, Bad and p-Bad were examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The cell growth of the HeLa cells was inhibited by baicalin dose-dependently and IC₅₀ was 43.65 mg/L. The results of colony formation assay showed that combination of 8 mg/L baicalin and radiotherapy further improved survival curve and decreased the value of D0 and Dq, as compared with radiotherapy alone (P<0.05). Furthermore, baicalin enhanced the effect of radiotherapy on cell cycle, as evidenced by the increase in cell percentage in G₂/M phase (P<0.05). Additionally, after incubation with baicalin, radiotherapy-induced phosphorylation of Akt and Bad were further augmented (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Baicalin augments radiosensitivity of HeLa cells through the inhibition of cell cycle transition and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.     

Molecular cloning of ING4 gene and ING4-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells

AIM: To isolate a gene encoding mouse ING4, construct pcDNA3.0-ING4 recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid and investigate its effects on HeLa cells in vitro. METHODS: The mouse ING4cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from mouse liver. The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0-ING4 was constructed by DNA recombination technique. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.0-ING4 was identified by PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequence analysis, then was transfected into HeLa cells by lipofectamine. The expression was determined by RT-PCR. Apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscope with Hoechst33258 staining and laser scanning confocal microscope. Cell cycle distribution was measured with flow cytometry. RESULTS: RT-PCR product was about 750 bp specific fragment. Analysis by restricting enzyme digestion and PCR of pcDNA3.0-ING4 recombiant plasmid showed that results were about 750 bp, DNA sequencing revealed that ING4 cloning were successful. With Hoechst fluorescence staining, we found that the percentage of apoptotic rate in HeLa cells transfected with pcDNA3.0- ING4 (21.25%) was higher than that in HeLa cells transfected with pcDNA3.0 (8.91%,P<0.01). Apoptosis was also detected by laser scanning confocal microscope. Cell cycle analysis reavealed the cell number in S phase of HeLa cells transfected with pcDNA3.0- ING4 increased. CONCLUSION: The gene encoding mouse ING4 and construction of pcDNA3.0- ING4 eukaryotic expression vector were successfully obtained, ING4 could enhance apoptosis in HeLa cells.     

Caspase 3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO attenuates 10-hydroxycamptothecin-induced activation of NF-κB in Bcap37 cells

AIM:To investigate the role of caspase 3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO in caspase 3 signaling pathway and NF-κB activation induced by 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) in human breast carcinoma cells. METHODS:The cell growth inhibition was measured by MTT assay. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed for detecting cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used for determining protein expression. DIG-EMSA was conducted to measure the DNA-binding activation of NF-κB. RESULTS:Caspase 3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO attenuated HCPT-induced apoptosis in human breast carcinoma. Ac-DEVD-CHO also suppressed the degradation of caspase 3 and IκBα,and arrested the activation of NF-κB. CONCLUSION:Caspase 3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO regulates the activation of caspase 3 and NF-κB,and attenuates apoptosis in Bcap37 cell line induced by HCPT.     

Role of Mfn2 in mediating trichostatin A-induced growth arrest in HeLa cells

AIM: To investigate the roles of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in mediating trichostatin A (TSA)-induced growth arrest and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: After treating with different doses of TSA or over-expression of Mfn2, the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of HeLa cells were analyzed. The protein levels of Ras, p-Raf, Raf, p-ERK, ERK, p-Akt, Akt and Mfn2 were determined by Western blot. The mRNA expression of Mfn2 was detected by real-time PCR. The interaction between Mfn2 and Ras was probed by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: TSA inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and a cell-cycle arrest at G₂/M phase in a dose and time dependent manner in the HeLa cells. TSA induced up-regulation of Mfn2 at mRNA and protein levels, improved interaction between Mfn2 and Ras and decreased the phosphorylation levels of Raf and ERK. However, Mfn2 over-expression hardly caused cell apoptosis, yet it resulted in severe growth arrest by inhibiting Ras-Raf-ERK pathway in the HeLa cells. CONCLUSION: TSA might trigger HeLa cell arrest by increasing Mfn2 expression and thus inhibiting the activity of Ras-Raf-ERK pathway.     

NKX3.1 down-regulates bcl-2 gene expression in prostate cancer PC-3 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of NKX3.1 on the gene expression of bcl-2 and apoptosis in prostate cancer PC-3 cells. METHODS: The eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1- NKX3.1 was transiently transfected into PC-3 cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the effects of NKX3.1 on the expression of bcl-2 gene. Down-regulatory effect of NKX3.1 on bcl-2 gene was detected by EMSA. Flow cytometry and apoptotic body staining were carried out to study the effects of NKX3.1 on apoptosis of PC-3 cells. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of bcl-2 in PC-3 cells was down-regulated by over-expression of NKX3.1. The EMSA result showed that NKX3.1 interacted with the NKX3.1 binding elements in upstream regulatory region of bcl-2 gene. The results of flow cytometry showed that the number of apoptotic PC-3 cells increased by 1.41-fold after NKX3.1 transfection to PC-3 cells. NKX3.1 increased the apoptotic bodies stained by Hoechst 33258 significantly. CONCLUSION: NKX3.1 down-regulates the expression of anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 and induces the apoptosis of prostate cancer PC-3 cells.     

Inmbition of nodosin on cell proliferation and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in HepG2 cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of nodosin extracted from Chinese traditional medicine on the proliferation of HepG2 cells cultured in vitroand to detect the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in HepG2 cells. METHODS:HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L) of nodosin for 24 h. The morphological changes of HepG2 cells were observed under inverted microscope. The inhibitory rates of HepG2 cell growth were detected by MTT assay. The apoptotic rates and the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS:Shrunken and suspended HepG2 cells increased with the increases in the concentrations of nodosin. The apoptotic rates and the expression of Bax increased with the increases in the doses of nodosin, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased. CONCLUSION: Nodosin inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of HepG2 cell growth is induced by decreasing Bcl-2 and increasing Bax, thus promoting cell apoptosis.     

miRNA-7-mediated Bax/Bcl-2 expression promotes apoptosis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-1 cells

AIM: To investigate the relationship of microRNA-7 (miRNA-7) over-expression and Bax/Bcl-2 expression in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-1 cells.METHODS: The CNE-1 cells were transfected with miRNA-7 mimics using Lipofectamine 2000. The expression of miRNA-7 was detected by real-time PCR. CCK-8 assay and Hoechst 33258 staining were used to detect the cell activity and apoptosis. The expression of Bax/Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of miRNA-7 was increased significantly in the CNE-1 cells compared with negative control group and mock group (P<0.01). The activity of CNE-1 cells were extremely decreased after tansfected with miRNA-7 mimics (P<0.01). The typical apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were observed in the CNE-1 cells under the fluorescence microscope with Hoechst 33258 staining. The expression of Bax at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased compared with the other 2 groups (P<0.01), while the Bcl-2 expression at mRNA and protein levels was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Over-expression of miRNA-7 significantly inhibits the growth and promotes the apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-1 cells by increasing the expression of Bax and down-regulating Bcl-2.     

Effect of NLRC3 expression knock-down on growth of normal human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells

AIM To investigate the effect of NOD-like receptor family caspase recruitment domain containing 3 (NLRC3) expression knock-down on the viability and apoptosis of normal human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells and its mechanism. METHODS The small interfering RNA (siRNA) fragments of NLRC3 gene were transfected into BEAS-2B cells using Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent to knock down the NLRC3 expression. The interference fragment was screened by RT-qPCR. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 staining. The apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot. RESULTS The interference segment 3 of NLRC3 gene (siNLRC3-3) displayed the best interference effect on NLRC3 expression in BEAS-2B cells (P<0.01). Knock-down of NLRC3 expression in BEAS-2B cells enhanced the cell viability (P<0.01). Knock-down of NLRC3 increased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased the apoptotic rate (P<0.05). Moreover, knock-down of NLRC3 significantly up-regulated Bcl-2 protein expression and significantly down-regulated Bax protein expression (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Knock-down of NLRC3 expression enhances the viability and inhibits the apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells, which may be related to increase in the expression of Bcl-2 protein and decrease in the expression of Bax protein.     

HBx modulates apoptosis by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the correlation of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) with renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBVGN) and the possible signaling mechanism. METHODS: The activation of JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in human kindey proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were determined by Western blotting after transfection with HBx eukaryotic expression vector. The cell proliferation was observed by CCK-8 assay. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by the imaging of HO33342 staining, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double staining. RESULTS: After transfection of the target gene HBx, the expression levels of both p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 were significantly increased. At the same time, the cell proliferation was obviously inhibited, and the apoptotic rate was increased. After incubation with AG490, the JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway was partially blocked, and the cell apoptosis induced by HBx was reduced. CONCLUSION：HBx up-regulates the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway to induce renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis, which is possibly involved in the pathogenic mechanism that HBV directly damages nephridial tissue.     

Expression of miR-625-3p in colorectal carcinoma tissues and cells

AIM: To investigate the expression of microRNA-625-3p (miR-625-3p) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to detect the levels of miR-625-3p expression in different CRC cell lines, CRC tissues and pair-matched adjacent normal tissues. The relationships between the expression levels of miR-625-3p and the patients' clinicopathological parameters were estimated. The effects of miR-625-3p on the apoptosis and the cell mitotic cycle of CRC cells were analyzed with propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. The effect of miR-625-3p on the apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-625-3p in the CRC tissues was higher than that in the pair-matched adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression of miR-625-3p in the CRC tumor tissues was significantly correlated with the tumor infiltrative depth, TNM stage and distant metastasis (P<0.05). The expression levels of miR-625-3p in CRC SW620 cells were higher than that in SW480 cells. The CRC cell mitotic cycle was significantly inhibited and cell apoptosis was significantly promoted when the expression of miR-625-3p was inhibited (P<0.05). The expression of Bax protein didn't change and the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased after miR-625-3p mimics were transfected into CRC SW620 cells(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: miR-625-3p may be a promising approach for the treatment of CRC by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.     

Apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax expression in the early follicles of reproductive women

AIM: To investigate the apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax expression in the early follicles of women at reproductive age. METHODS: 12 ovarian specimens were collected from reproductive women (aged 23-38 years) undergoing gynaecological operation. Histopathological examination of these specimens was performed to confirm its' morphological normalities. Using TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling) assay and immunohistochemistry method, cell apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax expression were examined in the early follicles including mainly primordial, intermediary and primary follicles. RESULTS: 18.75% of the oocytes were found TUNEL positive in the early follicles, but no granulosa cells in these follicles were found TUNEL positive. Bax expression was detected in 76.07% of the oocytes in the early follicles, but Bcl-2 expression was negative in these oocytes. In addition, Bcl-2/Bax expression were not present in the granulosa cells in early follicles. CONCLUSION: The oocyte apoptosis occurs in the early follicles of reproductive woman, and pro-apoptotic protein Bax may play a role in regulating this process. It suggests that Bax mediated oocyte apoptosis may be the molecular mechanism of the early follicle atresia in the ovaries of reproductive woman.     

Roles of NF-κB,AP-1 and caspase-3 in SC58125-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

AIM: To explore the molecular mechanisms of SC58125 on apoptosis in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis were employed to clarify the effect of SC58125 on apoptosis in HepG2 cells and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: SC58125 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was accompanied by inhibition of NF-κB, activation of caspase-3, decrease of bcl-2 mRNA and increase of p53mRNA. However, no significant changes were found in the DNA binding of AP-1. CONCLUSION: SC58125 induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells, which may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB, activation of caspase-3, decrease of bcl-2 mRNA and increase of p53mRNA.     

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in Bim-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia

AIM:To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the process of Bim-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia. METHODS:Cardiomyocytes were isolated from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats aged 1~3 days, and primarily cultured in vitro. The antibody targeting α-striated muscle actin was used to identify the cardiomyocytes. The siRNAs targeting bim were transfected into cardiomyocytes with liposome, followed by detecting the expression of Bim by Western blotting. Cardiomyocytes were divided into five groups: blank control group, hypoxia group, hypoxia+liposome group, hypoxia+negative control siRNA group and hypoxia+Bim-siRNA group. The cell viability was determined by MTT assay, and the cell apoptotic rate and the intracellular calcium concentration were measured by flow cytometry. The protein expression of caspase-12 and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS:Immunohistochemical identification confirmed that rat cardiomyocytes were successfully cultured. Green fluorescence was observed in the cells transfected with negative control siRNA under fluorescence microscope. The expression of Bim was obviously inhibited after transfected with Bim-siRNAs and the silencing efficiency of Bim-siRNA-2 was the highest (86.73%). Compared with blank control group, the viability of cardiomyocytes in hypoxia group was significantly reduced (P<005). Compared with hypoxia+negative control siRNA group, the viability of cardiomyocytes in hypoxia+Bim-siRNA group was significantly increased (P<005). The apoptotic rate and the intracellular calcium concentration of cardiomyocytes were obviously increased in hypoxia group (P<0.01), and were both decreased after bim silencing (P<005 or P<0.01). The expression of caspase-12 and IP3 was up-regulated in hypoxia group (P<005), and was down-regulated after bim silencing (P<005 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia can be inhibited by silencing the expression of bim gene. Caspase-12 and IP3, as markers of ERS, may participate in the process of Bim-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia.