title: microRNA 421 induces apoptosis of c-33a cervical cancer cells via down-regulation of Bcl-xL.
abstract: Cervical cancer is a life-threatening condition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can promote or inhibit cell death and proliferation. The present study investigated the effect of miRNA 421 on the growth and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. miRNA 421 and control miRNA were synthesized and transfected into c-33a cervical cancer cells. A thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay, caspase-3 activity, and flow cytometry were used to study the effects of miRNA 421 on c-33a cell growth, and apoptosis. Small interfering RNA targeting Bcl-xL was synthesized and transfected into c-33a cells along with miRNA 421. Bcl-xL expression and cell apoptosis were then measured by western blot and flow cytometry, respectively. Transfection of miRNA 421 into c-33a cells reduced their growth, promoted their apoptosis (measured by increased phosphatidylserine eversion), activated caspase-3, and decreased Bcl-xL expression. Silencing and overexpression of Bcl-xL enhanced and inhibited miRNA 421-induced apoptosis of c-33a cells, respectively. miRNA 421 induces c-33a cell apoptosis via down-regulation of Bcl-xL, suggesting that this latter might be used as a potential clinical target.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lishui People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China xiaojunlaibnm@sina.com.
authors.forename: X J
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lishui People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
authors.forename: X Y
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women and Children Health Hospital of Tonglu, Zhejiang, China.
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Hu
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002470:Cell Survival; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D051020:bcl-X Protein / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C494811:BCL2L1 protein, human; C547665:MIRN421 microRNA, human; D035683:MicroRNAs; D051020:bcl-X Protein