[Neuron specific enolase gene silencing suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study the effects of neuron specific enolase (NSE) gene silencing on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro.

METHODS:

NSE protein expression was detected in human small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H446 and non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 by immunocytochemistry, and a small interference RNA (siRNA) was transfected into the cells to inhibit NSE gene expression. The changes in the cell cycle, apoptosis, Ki67 protein and caspase-3 activity in the transfected cells were observed by flow cytometry, Western blotting and colorimetric assay, respectively.

RESULTS:

Both A549 and NCI-H446 cells expressed NSE protein. Transfection of siRNA for NSE gene significantly inhibited the expression of NSE gene in the cells, resulting in an inhibition rate exceeding 90%. NSE gene silencing caused significantly decreased cell percentage in S phase and the expression of Ki67 protein, and increased the cell apoptotic rate and caspase-3 activity.

CONCLUSION:

NSE gene expression promotes the cell proliferation and inhibits the cell apoptosis in lung cancer cells with neuroendocrine differentiation, which might be a causative factor contributing to increased malignancy of the cells.

• Authors: Jian-jiang Zhou, Yuan Xie, Yan Zhao, Zhen-xing Li
• Journal: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University (Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 31 Issue 8 Pg. 1336-40 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1673-4254 [Print] China
• PMID: 21868318 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Ki-67 Antigen
• CASP3 protein, human
• Caspase 3
• Phosphopyruvate Hydratase

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (enzymology, genetics, pathology)
• Apoptosis (genetics)
• Caspase 3 (metabolism)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation
• Humans
• Ki-67 Antigen (metabolism)
• Lung Neoplasms (enzymology, genetics, pathology)
• Phosphopyruvate Hydratase (genetics)
• RNA Interference
• Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (enzymology, genetics, pathology)