Effects of AFP gene silencing on Survivin mRNA expression inhibition in HepG2 cells

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We investigated the effects of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene silencing on Survivin expression in HepG2 cells. Small interfering RNA technology was used to downregulate AFP expression in HepG2 cells. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure AFP concentration in the supernatant before and after transfection. An MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation activity before and after transfection. We performed flow cytometric analysis to detect the cell apoptosis rate, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to detect Survivin mRNA levels before and after transfection. Fortyeight hours after transfection, AFP concentration in the supernatant of the experimental group significantly decreased, hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth was inhibited by 43.1%, and the apoptosis rate increased by 24.3%. Survivin mRNA expression was reduced by 78.0% in HepG2 cells. These indicators in the control group and in the 3185 Effects of AFP gene silencing on Survivin ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 14 (2): 3184-3190 (2015) blank group did not change significantly. Silencing of AFP expression in HepG2 cells can effectively inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells and promote apoptosis, which may be useful for reducing intracellular Survivin mRNA levels.

Development of a prognostic model for anoikis and identifies hub genes in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Moreover, high expression of BIRC5 or SKP2 protein also indicated poor prognosis in our TMA cohort. As previously mentioned, Fang et al suggested that silencing of AFP may reduce intracellular BIRC5 mRNA expression to promote apoptosis in HepG2 cells 67 . In lung adenocarcinoma, the high level of BIRC5 was related to advanced AJCC stage, T and N stages 68 .…”

Epigallocatechin Gallate Potentiates the Anticancer Effect of AFP-siRNA-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

“…Thus, siRNA targeting the AFP gene, designated as AFP -siRNA, has become one of the most promising strategies for inhibiting AFP expression. Reportedly, silencing of AFP can be achieved in the hepatoma cell line HepG2 by reducing BIRC5 (survivin) mRNA expression [ 13 ]. Also, the expression of AFP was completely inhibited in the overexpressed AFP hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (EGHC-9901) by the AFP -siRNA plasmid transfection system through apoptosis [ 14 ].…”

Targeting Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)–MHC Complex with CAR T-Cell Therapy for Liver Cancer

“…Elevated expression of AFP in tumors and serum is found in 60%-80% of HCC patients (14) and correlates with poor prognosis (18). Although the function of AFP remains unclear, it has been reported to promote cell proliferation, suppress apoptosis, and act as an immunosuppressive agent (19)(20)(21)(22)(23), suggesting a potential role in disease progression.…”