An antisense plasmid targeting survivin expression induces apoptosis and sensitizes hepatocarcinoma cells to chemotherapy

J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2003;23(4):387-91. doi: 10.1007/BF02829425.

Abstract

To explore the change of sensitivity to chemotherapy of antisense RNA targeting survivin on hepatocarcinoma carcinoma cells in vitro. Survivin mRNA structure region was amplified by RT-PCR and inserted inversely into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3. The antisense expression plasmid pcDNA3/survivin was transfected into HepG2 with lipofectAMINE 2000 (LF2000), with low concentration of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) added. Survivin protein was detected by Western-blot, the growth activity was measured by MTT, and apoptosis was detected by Flow Cytometry 12 h, 24 h, 48 h after transfection. The activity of caspase-3 was found by quantitative assay 48 h after transfection. The construction of antisense RNA vector pcDNA3/survivin was verified by restricted endonuclease digestion and nucleotide sequencing. Compared with normal group, 5-Fu and antisense survivin group, the cells growth inhibition, apoptosis index, and caspase-3 activity were increased in antisense survivin transfected + 5-Fu group. The threshold of apoptosis was decreased after survivin was silenced, and the sensitivity to chemotherapy was increased. These findings suggest the existence of a potential new target for gene therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA, Antisense
  • Fluorouracil / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Plasmids
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Survivin
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • DNA, Antisense
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Survivin
  • Fluorouracil