[Effects of matrine on telomerase activity and cell cycle in K562 cell].
OBJECTIVE
In order to search for new tumor differentiation inducer, the effects of matrine of Chinese herbal origin on differentiation of K562 cells and its mechanism were studied.


METHODS
Telomerase activity was determined by PCR-ELISA in untreated or treated K562 cells, cell cycle phases were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis.


RESULTS
Telomerase activity of K562 cells was significantly inhibited when treated with matrine, and cell cycle of the treated K562 cells was changed with marked decrease in S phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Matrine can induce differentiation of K562 cells, the mechanism of which might be related to the inhibition of telomerase activity and cell cycle arrest.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Chongqing University of Medical Science.
L
L
Zhang
J
J
Jiang
R
R
Tan
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D020014:K562 Cells / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D011807:Quinolizines; D016196:S Phase / Q000187:drug effects; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000093842:Matrines
D000470:Alkaloids; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D011807:Quinolizines; D019098:Telomerase; D000093842:Matrines