Down-Regulated Expression of RACK1 Gene by RNA Interference Enhances Drought Tolerance in Rice

The receptor for activated C-kinase 1 （RACK1） is a highly conserved scaffold protein with versatile functions, and plays important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development. Transgenic rice plants, in which the expression of RACK1 gene was inhibited by RNA interference （RNAi）, were studied to elucidate the possible functions of RACK1 in responses to drought stress in rice. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of RACK1 in transgenic rice plants was inhibited by more than 50%. The tolerance to drought stress of the transgenic rice plants was higher as compared with the non-transgenic rice plants. The peroxidation of membrane and the production of malondialdehyde were significantly lower and the superoxide dismutase activity in transgenic rice plants was significantly higher than those in non-trangenic rice plants It is suggested that RACK1 negatively regulated the redox system-related tolerance to drought stress of rice plants.

Effect of RNA Interference Hsp72 Gene Expression on Development of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos

The method of RNAi was used to inhibit the expression of induced heat shock protein 70 （Hsp72） in the 4-cell stage mouse embryos and the embryo development competence was analyzed to identify the functions of Hsp72 on embryonic heat resistance. The results indicated that the inhibition rates of siRNA1 for Hsp72 mRNA and Hsp72 protein were 87.1 and 78.5%, respectively. The blastocysts development rates were 41, 86, and 84% for the siRNA1 group, the LipofectamineTM 2 000 exposed group, and the 37℃ group, respectively, and the hatched blastocysts development rates for the above three groups were 35, 72, and 68%, respectively. The data suggest that the siRNAI has a significant inhibiting effect on Hsp72 gene, and Hsp72 gene silence reduces the blastocysts development rate and hatched blastocysts rate after heat shock during the development of mouse preimplantation embryos.

Effects of RNA Interference Combined with Ultrasonic Irradiation and SonoV ue Microbubbles on Expression of STAT3 Gene in Keratinocytes of Psoriatic Lesions

The most effective sequence of small interfering RNA（si RNA） silencing STAT3 of psoriatic keratinocytes（KCs） was screened out,and the effects of the most effective si RNA combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles on the expression of STAT3 of KCs and the dose-and time-response were investigated.Three chemically-synthetic si RNAs targeting STAT3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 were transfected into KCs,and the effects on STAT3 expression were detected,then the most effective si RNA was selected for the subsequent experiments.The negative controls of siR NA（si RNA-NC） labeled with Cy3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles were transfected into KCs,then the optimal parameters of ultrasonic irradiation were determined.The most effective si RNA carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation at the optimal parameters and Sono Vue microbubbles was transfected into KCs,and the dose-and time-response of RNA interference was determined.The effect of RNA interference by the most effective si RNA at the optimal time and dose carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles（LUS group） was compared with that only carried by Lipofectamine 3000（L group）.The results showed that si RNA-3 achieved the highest silencing efficacy.0.5 W/cm2 and 30 s were selected as the parameters of ultrasonic irradiation.The si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression at m RNA and protein levels in dose-and time-dependent manners determined at 100 nmol/L with maximum downregulation on m RNA at 48 h,and on protein at 72 h after transfection.The LUS group achieved the highest silencing efficacy.It was concluded that si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and SonoV ue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression in psoriatic KCs,and the optimized transfection condition and the sequence of si RNA-3 could serve for further research on gene therapy of psoriasis.

Construction and Identification of a Vector Expressing RNA Interference Aimed at the Human CyclinD1 Gene and its Expression in Vitro

OBJECTIVE To construct a eukaryotic expression vector for RNA interference of the human cyclinD1 gene, and to detect its interference effect in human ovarian cancer cells （HO-8910）. METHODS Four target gene segments were synthesized and cloned into the pSUPER vector respectively to construct four recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors, pSUPER-C1-4. The four recombinant vectors were identified by enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing. Then HO-8910 cells were transfected with the pSUPER-C1-4 vectors and subjected to G418 selection. In G418-resistant cells, the interference effect was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS Enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing showed that the target segments were cloned into the pSUPER vector. The four recombinant vectors inhibited transcription of the cyclinD1 gene. The pSUPER-C2 vector had a better interference effect. CONCLUSION The sequence-specific siRNA effectively interfered with expression of the cyclinD1 gene that was selected. The transcription and expression of the cyclinD1 gene were inhibited effectively by the constructed RNAi eukaryotic expression vectors in the ovarian cancer cells. These results indicate that it is possible to search for a new tumor gene therapy method,

Expression Silence of DNA Repair Gene hMGMT Induced by RNA Interference

Objective： MGMT protein expression has been associated with tumor resistance to alkylating agents. The objective of this paper is to construct the RNA interference vector which can specifically induce the expression silence of human DNA repair gene hMGMT. Methods： The hMGMT specific siRNA expression cassette was made by two steps PCR, linked with pUCI 9 to get pU6-MGMTi, co-transfected with pEGFP-CI into 16HBE and screened by G418. The MGMT mRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-PCR and Western Blot respectively. Results： hMGMT specific RNA interfere vector pU6-MGMTi was constructed successfully. In transfected 16HBE cells MGMT mRNA level could hardly be detected and the protein level was only 10% of control. Conclusion： MGMT specific RNAi expression cassette can effectively inhibit MGMT expression. MGMT silence cell line was built by co-transfection technology, which offered condition for studying the gene function of MGMT.

Cloning of CRABS CLAW Gene from Brassica napus and Construction of Its RNA Interference Expression Vector

CRABS ClAW （CRC） is a member of the YABBYA transcription factor gene family that plays an important role in floral organ development of plants. This study aimed to further investigate the regulatory function of CRC transcription factor in the development of floral organs of rape （Brassica napus L. ）. A 580 bp fragment of CRC gene was cloned by RT-PCR from total RNA of buds of rape cultivar Ningyou No. 10 to construct an inverted repeated expression cassette of CRC gene using intermediate vector pHturieane. Firstly, CRC gene fragment was positively inserted into the 5＇ end of a spliceable intron and negatively inserted into the 3＇ end of the intron. Subsequently, CaMV35S promoter sequence and inverted repeated expression cassette of CRC gene were transferred into pUC18 multiple clone site of binary expression vector pCAMBIAI1390. The constructed interference expression vector was named pA6-CRCi, which was further confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing.

The Influence of Aerial Exposure on Sea Anemones Aulactinia veratra Mucin Genes Expression Using the RNA Sequencing

Mucin genes are the main component of mucus. The sea anemone species, Aulactinia veratra (Phylum Cnidaria) contains different types of mucin genes. In the intertidal zone, A. veratra is found to be exposed to air during the low tide and produces large quantities of mucus as an external covering. The relation between low tide and mucus secretion is still unclear, and what is the role of mucin during arial exposure is not yet investigated. This study hypothesised that the mucin genes in A. veratra would have significantly high expression in response to aerial exposure. Therefore, the aim of current study was to examine and analyses the response of A. veratra mucins in response to an experiment involving three hours of aerial exposure. To achieve this, aim the RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were used to examine the expression profile of A. veratra mucin genes in response to aerial exposure. The generated results have shown that, Mucin4-like and mucin5B-like were up-regulated in response to the three hours of aerial exposure in A. veratra. This finding shows a significant role of mucin5B-like and mucin4-like genes in response to air stress at low tide. The data generated from this study could be used in conjunction with future mucin gene studies of sea anemones and other cnidarians to compare A. veratra mucin gene expression results across time, and to extend our understanding of mucin stress response in this phylum.

Influence of RNA interference on the mitochondrial subcellular localization of alpha-synuclein and on the formation of Lewy body-like inclusions in the cytoplasm of human embryonic kidney 293 cells induced by the overexpression of alphasynuclein

The specific and effective a-synuclein RNA interference （RNAi） plasmids, and the a-synuclein-pEGFP recombinant plasmids were co-transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 （HEK293） cells using the lipofectamine method. Using an inverted fluorescence microscope, a-synuclein proteins were observed to aggregate in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Wild-type a-synuclein proteins co-localized with mitochondria. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed round eosinophilic bodies （Lewy body-like inclusions） in the cytoplasm of some cells transfected with a-synuclein-pEGFP plasmid. However, the formation of Lewy body-like inclusions was not observed following transfection with the RNAi pSYN-1 plasmid. RNAi blocked Lewy body-like inclusions in the cytoplasm of HEK293 cells induced by wild-type a-synuclein overexpression, but RNAi did not affect the subcellular localization of wild-type a-synuclein in mitochondria.

RNA interference blocking the apoptosis in HEK293 cells induced by overexpression of alpha-synuclein

BACKGROUND： Overexpression of α-synuclein can induce cell apoptosis. RNA interference （RNAi） may block specific gene function and cause gene silencing. OBJECTIVE： To construct a specific and effective RNAi plasmid for the α-synuclein gene and investigate if RNAi can block apoptosis in HEK293 cells, induced by overexpression of wild-type α-synuclein. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A contrast experiment based on genetically engineered cytobiology was performed at the State Key Lab of Medical Genetics of China, Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, between October 2004 and October 2008. MATERIALS： HEK293 cells and pBSHH1 plasmid were provided by the State Key Lab of Medical Genetics of China; OligDNA sequence by Sagon Bioengineering Company, Shanghai; Lipofectamine 2000 by Invitrogen, USA; α-synuclein monoclonal antibody, Hoechst 33258, and MTT by Sigma, USA; Horseradish peroxidase-coupled goat anti-rat IgG by KPL, USA; FACSan flow cytometry by BD, USA. METHODS： Four target sites were used to construct hairpin RNA pBSHH1 vectors - pSYNi-1, pSYNi-2, pSYNi-3 and pSYNi-4 - which were cloned in the pBSHH1 plasmid. HEK293 cells were transfected using Lipofectamine 2000. In addition, a non-transfect group and a negative plasmid transfect group were established. The cultured HEK293 cells were processed as follows： transfection of blank plasmid （blank control group）, transfection of α-synuclein-pEGFP and RNAi negative vector （negative control group）, and transfection of α-synuclein-pEGFP and pSYNi-1 （transfection group）. Cells in all groups were transfected with Lipofectamine 2000 for 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of α-synuclein mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope; cell viability was measured using MTT method; and cell apoptosis was determined with Annexin V-PE flow cytometry. RESULTS： α-synuclein mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased in the pSYNi-1 group when compared with the non-transfect and negative plasmid transfect groups （P 〈 0.05）. The expressions were partially decreased in the pSYNi-2 group, but there was no significant difference in the pSYNi-3 and pSYNi-4 groups. Hoechst staining indicated that cell nuclei were enlarged in the negative control group, coloring was not uniform, and chromatin was accumulated and appeared spot-like. The nucleus coloring was uniform in the transfection group compared to negative control group. Cell viability in the negative control group was significantly lower than blank control group with cell apoptosis being significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. In comparison with negative control group, cell viability was significantly increased in the transfection group and cell apoptosis was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： pSYNi-1 can inhibit α-synuclein gene expression and block apoptosis of HEK293 cells induced by overexpression of wild-type α-synuclein.

Inhibition of HOXB7 Gene Expression in Melanoma Cells by Small Interfering RNA

Objective： HOXB7 gene is a kind of transcription regulator over-expressed in malignant melanoma （MM） cell lines. It can specifically up-regulate the expression of angiogenic factors and tumor growth factors such as bFGF, GROa, VEGF and induce angiogenesis in melanoma, resulting in the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. We designed and synthesized HOXB7 specific siRNA to study its interfering effect on the expressions of HOXB7 and bFGF genes in melanoma A375 cell line and the biologic characteristics of A375 cells. Methods： Three synthesized siRNA with different sequences were separately transfected into A375 cells by lipofecter 2000. The expression of HOXB7 and bFGF mRNA in transfected cells was detected by RT-PCR 24 and 48 hours after transduction. The expression of bFGF protein in the transfected cells were detected by flowcytometry 48 hours after transfection. MTT assay was used to analyze the cell proliferation rate of siRNA transfected cells. Based on the in vitro experiment results, one effective siRNA sequence was selected for the construction of in vivo siRNA expression vector. Then, a malignant melanoma animal model was established. The siRNA expression plasmid was injected into the tumor foci and its influence on the growth and angiogenesis of tumor was observed. Results： The mRNA expressions of both HOXB7 and bFGF genes in the A375 cells reduced significantly 24 and 48 hour after transfection of siRNA. Expression level of the protein of angiogenic factor bFGF induced by HOXB7 gene in siRNA transfected cells was significantly lower than that in control cells 48 hours after transduction. Cell proliferation was also suppressed in siRNA transfected cells. Two of the three siRNA strands showed prominent interference effect. The in vivo study indicated that the tumor size and the microvessel density in the tumor both reduced after injection of HOXB7siRNA plasmid. Conclusion： Down-regulation of HOXB7 gene expression can effectively reduce the expression of angiogenic factor bFGF and the proliferation of MM cells. Besides, the growth and angiogenesis of MM tumor were also inhibited.

Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury,with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis.While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury,few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy.This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy(51.3±7.3 years old,12 women and 18 men),seven healthy controls(25.7±1.7 years old,one woman and six men),and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(51.9±8.6 years old,three women and six men).Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics.Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities.Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis,we constructed a five-gene model(TBCD,TPM2,PNKD,EIF4G2,and AP5Z1)to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%.One-gene models(TCAP and SDHA)identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3%and 76.7%,respectively.Signatures of two immune cell types(memory B cells and memory-activated CD4^(+)T cells)predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80%accuracy.Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of photosystem II(PsbX)gene family in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Photosystem II(PSII)constitutes an intricate assembly of protein pigments,featuring extrinsic and intrinsic polypeptides within the photosynthetic membrane.The low-molecular-weight transmembrane protein PsbX has been identified in PSII,which is associated with the oxygen-evolving complex.The expression of PsbX gene protein is regulated by light.PsbX’s central role involves the regulation of PSII,facilitating the binding of quinone molecules to the Qb(PsbA)site,and it additionally plays a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency of photosynthesis.Despite these insights,a comprehensive understanding of the PsbX gene’s functions has remained elusive.Results In this study,we identified ten PsbX genes in Gossypium hirsutum L.The phylogenetic analysis results showed that 40 genes from nine species were classified into one clade.The resulting sequence logos exhibited substantial conservation across the N and C terminals at multiple sites among all Gossypium species.Furthermore,the ortholo-gous/paralogous,Ka/Ks ratio revealed that cotton PsbX genes subjected to positive as well as purifying selection pressure might lead to limited divergence,which resulted in the whole genome and segmental duplication.The expression patterns of GhPsbX genes exhibited variations across specific tissues,as indicated by the analysis.Moreover,the expression of GhPsbX genes could potentially be regulated in response to salt,intense light,and drought stresses.Therefore,GhPsbX genes may play a significant role in the modulation of photosynthesis under adverse abiotic conditions.Conclusion We examined the structure and function of PsbX gene family very first by using comparative genom-ics and systems biology approaches in cotton.It seems that PsbX gene family plays a vital role during the growth and development of cotton under stress conditions.Collectively,the results of this study provide basic information to unveil the molecular and physiological function of PsbX genes of cotton plants.

Knockdown of survivin gene expression by RNAi induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

AIM: To investigate the survivin gene expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 and the effects of survivin gene RNA interference (RNAi) on cell apoptosis and biological behaviors of SMMC-7721 cells. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector of survivin gene RNAi and recombinant plasmid pSuppressorNeo-survivin (pSuNeo-SW), were constructed by ligating into the vector, pSupperssorNeo (pSuNeo) digested with restriction enzymes Xba I and Sail and the designed double-chain RNAi primers. A cell model of SMMC-7721 after treatment with RNAi was prepared by transfecting SMMC-7721 cells with the lipofectin transfection method. Strept-avidin-biotin-complex (SABC) immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR were used to detect survivin gene expressions in SMMC-7721 cells. Flow cytometry was used for the cell cycle analysis. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to determine whether RNAi induced cell apoptosis, and the method of measuring the cell growth curve was utilized to study the growth of SMMC-7721 cells before and after treatment with RNAi. RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector of survivin gene RNAi and pSuNeo-SW, were constructed successfully. The expression level of survivin gene in SMMC-7721 cells was observed. After the treatment of RNAi, the expression of survivin gene in SMMC-7721 cells was almost absent, apoptosis index was increased by 15.6%, and the number of cells was decreased in G2/M phase and the cell growth was inhibited. CONCLUSION: RNAi can exert a knockdown of survivin gene expression in SMMC-7721 cells, and induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of carcinoma cells.

Lentivirus vectors construction of SiRNA targeting interference GPC3 gene and its biological effects on liver cancer cell lines Huh-7

Objective:To build GPC3 gene short hairpin interference RNA(shRNA)slow virus veclor.observe expression of Huh-7 GPC3 gene in human liver cell line proliferation apoptosis and the effect of GPC3 gene influencing on liver cancer cell growth,and provide theoretical basis for genc therapy of liver cancer.Methods:Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7 wsa transfected by a RNA interference technique.GPC3 gene expression in a variety of liver cancer cell lines was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Targeted GPC3 gene seqnences of small interfering RNA(siRNA)PGC-shRNA-GPC3 were restructured.Stable expression cell linse of siRNA were screened and established with the heplp of liposomes(lipofectamine^(TM2000))as carrier transfcetion of human liver cell lines.In order to validate siRNA interference efficiency.GPC3 siRNA mRNA expression was detected after transfection by using RT-PCR and Western blot.The absorbance value of the cells of blank group,untransfection group and transfection group,the cell cycle and cell apoptosis were calculated,and effects of GPC3 gene nn Huh-7 cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed.Results:In the liver cancer cell lines Huh-7 GPC3 gene showed high expression.PGC-shRNA-GPC3 recombinant plasmid was constructde successfully via sequencing validation.Stable recombinant plasmid transfected into liver cancer cell linse Huh-7can obviously inhibit GPC3 mRNA expression level.Conclusions:The targeted GPC3 siRNA can effectively inhibit the expression of GPC3.

Enhanced Chemotherapy Sensitivity of Human Colon Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil by siRNA Recombinant Expression Vector Targeting Survivin Gene

Objective To investigate the effects of small interfering RNA （siRNA） recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene on chemotherapy sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil. Methods siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cell lines LOVO. After 48 hours of transfection, cells were harvested for analysis of survivin mRNA and protein expressions using RT-PCR and Western blot. In addition, after human colon cancer cell lines were treated with Survivin siRNA and/or 5-fluorouracil, MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results Restriction endonuclease analysis confirmed that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was successfully constructed. Inhibitory ratios of survivin mRNA and protein expressions by Survivin siRNA were 36.33% and 44.65%, respectively. Survivin siRNA combined with 5-fluorouracil significantly increased the cell proliferation inhibitory ratio and apoptosis ratio compared with 5-fluorouracil treatin~ alone （P〈0.05）. Conclusion The siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene can inhibit the expression of survivin gene, and enhance chemotherapy sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to 5- fluorouracil.

Induction of Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer Cells by siRNA Recombinant Expression Vector Targeting Survivin Gene

This study constructed siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene and observe the apoptosis induction effect of it in human colon cancer cells, siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cells. The effect of siRNA recombinant expression vector was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, MTT reduction assay and flow cytometry. It was confirmed by restriction endonuclease and sequence analysis that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed successfully. Inhibition rate of survivin siRNA at mRNA and protein levels was 36.33% and 44.65% respectively. Growth of cancer cells was inhibited and the apoptosis rate was （17.24±2.13）%. The siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene has been constructed successfully. It not only can inhibit the expression of survivin gene, but also can induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells remarkably.

Host cellular micro RNA involvement in the control of hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication

A large number of studies have demonstrated that the synergistic collaboration of a number of micro RNAs(mi RNAs), their growth factors and their downstream agents is required for the initiation and completion of pathogenesis in the liver. mi RNAs are thought to exert a profound effect on almost every aspect of liver biology and pathology. Accumulating evidence indicates that several mi RNAs are involved in the hepatitis B virus(HBV) life cycle and infectivity, in addition to HBVassociated liver diseases including fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In turn, HBV can modulate the expression of several cellular mi RNAs, thus promoting a favorable environment for its replication and survival. In this review, we focused on the involvement of host cellular mi RNAs that are directly and indirectly associated with HBV RNA or HBV associated transcription factors. Exploring different facets of the interactions among mi RNA, HBV and HCV infections, and the carcinogenesis and progress of HCC, could facilitate the development of novel and effective treatment approaches for liver disease.

RNA INTERFERENCE OF ANNEXIN II GENE IN PC3 CELLS BY USING SMALL INTERFERENCE RNA SYNTHESIZED WITH IN VITRO TRANSCRIPTION

Objective To silence annexin Ⅱ gene expression by using small interference RNA （siRNA） in prostate cancer cell line PC3. Methods For in vitro transcription, four sequences of 29-nucleotide DNA template oligonucleotides were designed, and one pair of the sequences were complementary to annexin Ⅱ gene. The other pair was negative control. The 8 nucleotides at the 3＇ end of each oligonucleotide were complementary to the T7 Promoter Primer. The sense and anti-sense siRNA templates were transcribed by T7 RNA polymerase and the resulting RNA transcripts were hybridized to create dsRNA. The siRNA was transfected into prostate cancer cell PC3. For assaying the efficiency of siRNA, confocal microscopy, Northern blotting, and Western blotting were employed to examine the expression of annexin Ⅱ protein and its mRNA. ^3H thymidine was used to measure DNA synthesis. Results The siRNA sequence specific to annexin Ⅱ gene was capable of inhibiting the expression of annexin Ⅱ protein and its mRNA. And cellular DNA synthesis was significantly reduced in siRNA transfected cells.Conclusions The protocol for the synthesis of siRNA by T7 RNA polymerase is feasible. Annexin Ⅱ might be involved in DNA synthesis.

Experimental study on siRNA expressing vector-based RNA interference targeting c-Myc in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402

Objective: To explore the inhibition of the expression of c-Myc in human hepatocellular carcinoma via vector-based RNA interference (RNAi). Methods: Two RNA interference DNA templates targeting c-Myc oncogene were designed via online software and synthesized. By ligation, the fragments were inserted into pSilencer 1.0-U6 to construct the recombinant siRNA expressing plasmids. The identified recombinants were introduced into BEL-7402 cells with Lipofactamine. The inhibition of c-Myc expression, together with the expression of CDK4, hTERT and Gadd45β in c-Myc down-regulated BEL-7402 cells, were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results: Two recombinant plasmids pSic-myc-1 and pSic-myc-2, which direct the yields of siRNAs targeting c-Myc in cells, were constructed. Among which, pSic-myc-2 was shown to trigger a RNAi-mediated inhibition of expression of c-Myc in BEL-7402 by up to 90%. In c-Myc knockdown BEL-7402 cells, the expression of CDK4 and hTERT were down-regulated with a ratio of 85% and 57%, respectively, while the expression of Gadd45β was up-regulated by up to 110%. Conclusion: The expression of c-Myc in BEL-7402 could be suppressed by vector-based RNA interference successfully. The knockdown of c-Myc in turn resulted in the changes of expression of genes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, our study provided a preliminary data in searching of a c-Myc-targeted RNAi therapy of human hepatocellular carcinoma.