[Apoptin induces G2-M arrest in cancer cells].
OBJECTIVE
To further study the effect of apoptin in inducing cancer cell specific apoptosis and the possible applications in cancer therapy.


METHODS
Apoptin gene was amplified by PCR and inserted into pcDNA3.1(+) with a FLAG tag in front of the multi-cloning-site. Apoptin gene with the FLAG tag was sub-cloned into an adenovirus vector. Several cancer cell lines were transfected with pcDNA3.1/FLAG/apoptin or infected with apoptin containing recombinant adenoviruses to study the morphologic changes. Ad/apoptin infected cells were also analyzed by flowcytometry after staining with PI.


RESULTS
Expressed apoptin was localized in the nucleus of cancer cells. Chromatin condensation occurred 2 or 3 days after Ad/apoptin(+) infection. Cell number in G(2)-M phase increased dramatically after Ad/apoptin(+) infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Apoptin can induce cell cycle G(2)-M arrest and chromatin condensation in cancer cells.
He
Xiang-jun
XJ
Central Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China. hexiangjun@hotmail.com
Shang
Shi-tong
ST
Liu
Yu-jing
YJ
Zhang
Qi
Q
Wang
Shen-wu
SW
D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002843:Chromatin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D016195:G2 Phase / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects*
D036022:Capsid Proteins; D002843:Chromatin; C091717:VP3 protein, Chicken anemia virus