Aim: To investigate the influence on the biological characteristics of human hepatic cell line L02 transfected with hTERT gene mediated by lentiviral vector.
Methods: The L02 hepatocytes were infected with recombinant lentiviruses expressing hTERT gene and the stable cells were selected by blastcidin. The hTERT mRNA level was determined by Real-time RT-PCR and the expression of telomerase activity was detected by PCR-ELISA in the transfected cells. The new hepatocytes were observed and evaluated by molecular biological and morphologic methods such as MTT, flow cytometry and RT-PCR.
Results: The transfected L02 hepatocytes had over-expression of hTERT gene and up-regulated telomerase activity. They maintained original shape and exhibited prolonged life span in vitro, which had similar synthesis function such as albumin and glycogen synthesis.
Conclusion: Ectopic expression of hTERT in L02 hepatocytes not only up-regulates telomerase activity but also extends their replicative life span without influencing basic function.