Objective: To observe the effect of inhibition of serine/threonine kinase15 (STK15) gene expression on apoptosis induction in gastric cancer cell line-MKN45 and discuss the role of STK15 in viability of gastric cancer cells.
Methods: The STK15 expression was inhibited by chemically synthesized siRNA. The STK15 mRNA and protein level were respectively measured by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting,the change of cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were detected by flow-cytometry, cell morphological change was observed by Hoechst staining,and pro-caspase 3 level was also detected by western blot.
Results: After treatment by siRNA targeting STK15 after 48 h, STK15 mRNA and protein level decreased obviously. More MKN45 cells accumulated at G(2)/M phase (P< 0.05). The apoptosis rate of STK15 siRNA treated MKN45 cells was higher than that of control cells(P< 0.05) with the pro-caspase 3 level decreased.
Conclusions: Inhibition of STK15 gene expression may induce apoptosis in MKN45 cells through the pathway of caspase3. STK15 gene play a key role in proliferation and viability of MKN45 cells.