[Influence on biological characteristics of hepatocytes transfected with hTERT gene by lentivirus].
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Ectopic expression of hTERT in L02 hepatocytes not only up-regulates telomerase activity but also extends their replicative life span without influencing basic function.
Liang
Xu-jing
XJ
Department of Infectious Diseases of the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Chen
Xiao-jia
XJ
Chen
You-peng
YP
Yang
Dong-hua
DH
D002460:Cell Line; D015870:Gene Expression; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D016086:Lentivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D019098:Telomerase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014162:Transfection; D015854:Up-Regulation
C509186:TERT protein, human; D019098:Telomerase