[Small interfering RNA targeting Apollon enhances the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Apollon in enhancing the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro.


METHODS
HCC cells transfected with the siRNA targeting Apollon were tested for Apollon protein expression using Western blotting. MTT assay and ELISA were used to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells transfected with siRNA after exposure to 5-FU or adriamycin.


RESULTS
Apollon siRNA obviously down-regulated Apollon protein expression in HCC cells. The siRNA-mediated suppression of Apollon expression resulted in a marked inhibition of cell growth and increased apoptotic rate of HCC cells, and enhanced both the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of the chemotherapeutic drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Apollon siRNA can enhance the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to the chemotherapeutic drugs. Apollon can be a potentially important and feasible therapeutic target for HCC.
Department of General Surgery, 422 Hospital of PLA, Zhanjiang, China. chenjf623@163.com
Jian-fa
JF
Chen
Yu-hua
YH
Li
Yin-xiang
YX
Chen
Kui-long
KL
Xie
Ming
M
Fu
Li
L
Li
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D006801:Humans; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*
C401541:BIRC6 protein, human; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering