[Effects of overexpression of p21WAF1/CIP1 on the malignant phenotype and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of overexpression of p21WAF1/CIP1 on the malignant phenotype and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.


METHODS
p21WAF1/CIP1 gene was transfected into a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HCC-9204 with p53 mutation. Flow cytometry (FLC), transmission electron microscopy (EM) and DNA electrophoresis were used to identity apoptosis.


RESULTS
The transfected HCC-9204 showed increase in cell number in G1 phase of cell cycle. Apoptosis was confirmed by the appearance of apoptotic peak on FLC, characteristic ultrastructural changes on EM and DNA laddering on electrophoresis. Apoptotic cells accounted for 22.5% of the total p21 transfected cells. An alteration of the malignant phenotype of cells was evidenced by the loss of anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and reduction BrdU incorporation.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that the p21WAF1/CIP1 can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with p53 mutation.
Yang
F
F
Department of Pathology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032.
Wang
W
W
D017209:Apoptosis; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology*; D002455:Cell Division; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; D016213:Cyclins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D010641:Phenotype; D014162:Transfection
C493956:CDKN1A protein, human; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; D016213:Cyclins