Intrinsic apoptotic pathway and G2/M cell cycle arrest involved in tubeimoside I-induced EC109 cell death

Objective： Squamous esophageal carcinoma is highly prevalent in developing countries, especially in China. Tu Bei Mu （TBM）, a traditional folk medicine, has been used to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC） for a long term. tubeimoside I （TBMS1） is the main component of TBM, exhibiting great anticancer potential. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of TBMS1 cytotoxic effect on EC109 cells. Methods： Comparative nuclear proteomic approach was applied in the current study and we identified several altered protein spots. Further biochemical studies were carried out to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle and corresponding proteins＇ expression and location. Results： Subcellular proteomic study in the nucleus from EC109 cells revealed that altered proteins were associated with mitochondrial function and cell proliferation. Further biochemical studies showed that TBMSl-induced molecular events were related to mitochondria-induced intrinsic apoptosis and P21-cyclin B 1/cdc2 complex-related G2/M cell cycle arrest. Conclusions： Considering the conventional application of TBM in esophageal cancer, TBMS1 therefore may have a great potential as a chemotherapeutic drug candidate for ESCC.

Paris chinensis dioscin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells

AIM:To investigate the anti-tumor effects of Paris chinensis dioscin(PCD)and mechanisms regarding cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.METHODS:Cell viability was analyzed by the 3-(4,5-di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay.Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscope(LSCM)using Annexin-V/propidium iodide(PI)staining,and the cell cycle was evaluated using PI staining with flow cytom-etry.Intracellular calcium ions were detected under fluorescence microscope.The expression of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins cyclin B1,CDK1,cytochrome C and caspase-3 was measured by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS:PCD had an anti-proliferation effect on human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells in a dose-and time-de-pendent manner.After treatment of SGC-7901 cells with PCD,apoptosis appeared in SGC-7901 cells.Morpho-logical changes typical of apoptosis were also observed with LSCM by Annexin V/PI staining,and the cell number of the G0/G1 phase was decreased,while the number of cells in the G2/M phase was increased.Cell cycle-related proteins,such as cyclin B1 and CDK1,were all down-regulated,but caspase-3 and cytochrome C were up-regulated.Moreover,intracellular calcium accumulation occurred in PCD-treated cells.CONCLUSION:G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis induced by PCD are associated with the inhibition of CDK-activating kinase activity and the activation of Ca2+-related mitochondrion pathway in SGC-7901 cells.

Ethanol extract of Kalopanax septemlobus leaf inhibits HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation via inducing cell cycle arrest at G_1 phase

Objective:To investigate the effects of an ethanol extract of Kalopanax septemlobus(Thunb.)Koidz.leaf(EEKS) on cell proliferation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its mechanisms of action.Methods:Cells were treated with EEKS and subsequently analyzed for cell proliferation and flow cytometry analysis.Expressions of cell cycle regulators were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blotting,and activation of eyclin-associaled kinases studied using kinase assays.Results:The EEKS suppressed cell proliferation in both HepG2 and Hep3 B cells,but showed a more sensitive anli-proliferative activity in HepG2 cells.Flow cytometry analysis revealed an association between the growth inhibitory effect of EEKS and with G_1 phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells,along with the dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein(pRB) and enhanced binding of pRB with the E2 F transcription factor family proteins.Treatment with EEKS also increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase(CDK) inhibitors,such as p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1.without any noticeable changes in G_1 cyclins and CDKs(except for a slight decrease in CDK4).Treatment of HepG2 cells with EEKS also increased the binding of p21 and p27 with CDK4 and CDK6.which was paralleled by a marked decrease in the cyclin D- and cyclin E-associated kinase activities.Conclusions:Overall,our findings suggest that EEKS may be an effective treatment for liver cancer through suppression of cancer cell proliferation via G_1,cell cycle arrest Further studies arc required to identify the active compounds in EEKS.

Cucurbitacin B-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest of conjunctival melanoma cells mediated by GRP78-FOXM1-KIF20A pathway

Conjunctival melanoma(CM) is a rare and fatal malignant eye tumor. In this study, we deciphered a novel anti-CM mechanism of a natural tetracyclic compound named as cucurbitacin B(CuB). We found that CuB remarkably inhibited the proliferation of CM cells including CM-AS16,CRMM1, CRMM2 and CM2005.1, without toxicity to normal cells. CuB can also induce CM cells G2/M cell cycle arrest. RNA-seq screening identified KIF20A, a key downstream effector of FOXM1 pathway, was abolished by CuB treatment. Further target identification by activity-based protein profiling chemoproteomic approach revealed that GRP78 is a potential target of CuB. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that CuB interacted with GRP78 and bound with a Kdvalue of0.11 μmol/L. Furthermore, ATPase activity evaluation showed that CuB suppressed GRP78 both in human recombinant GRP78 protein and cellular lysates. Knockdown of the GRP78 gene significantly induced the downregulation of FOXM1 and related pathway proteins including KIF20A, underlying an interesting therapeutic perspective. Finally, CuB significantly inhibited tumor progression in NCG mice without causing obvious side effects in vivo. Taken together, our current work proved that GRP78-FOXM1-KIF20A as a promising pathway for CM therapy, and the traditional medicine CuB as a candidate drug to hinder this pathway.

HIV-1 Vpr protein activates the NF-κB pathway to promote G2/M cell cycle arrest

Viral protein R(Vpr) plays an important role in the replication and pathogenesis of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1). Some of the various functions attributed to Vpr, including the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest, activating the NF-κB pathway, and promoting viral reverse transcription, might be interrelated. To test this hypothesis, a panel of Vpr mutants were investigated for their ability to induce G2/M arrest and to activate the NF-κB pathway. The results showed that the Vpr mutants that failed to activate NF-κB also lost the activity to induce G2/M arrest, which suggests that inducing G2/M arrest via Vpr depends at least partially on the activation of NF-κB. This latter possibility is supported by data showing that knocking down the key factors in the NF-κB pathway – p65, Rel B, IKKα, or IKKβ– partially rescued the G2/M arrest induced by Vpr.Our results suggest that the NF-κB pathway is probably involved in Vpr-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest.

Effect of Marsdenia tenacissima extract on G2/M cell cycle arrest by upregulating 14-3-3σ and downregulating c-myc in vitro and in vivo

Objective: Marsdenia tenacissima extract(MTE) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with anti-cancer activity. In some previous studies, different mechanism actions of the anti-cancer effect of MTE have been revealed. In this study, we first observed that MTE exhibited G2/M cell cycle arrest on two different human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 by mediating 14-3-3σ and c-myc.Methods: The effect of MTE on G2/M cell cycle arrest was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines. MTT assay was done for evaluation of cell viability. Flow cytometry was employed for cell cycle analysis. Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyze the expression of G2/M cell cycle-related key protein in cells and tissue samples. Animal studies have been conducted to elucidate the anti-tumor effect of MTE.Results: Cell cycle is the backbone for developing cancer. Cell cycle proteins play a major role in the progression of cell cycle and cell proliferation. However, some key protein directly or indirectly modulate the action of cell cycle protein that highly affect cell cycle regulation. In order to investigate cellular proliferation of cancer, we observed that MTE induced the upregulation of 14-3-3σ and downregulation of c-myc,and then reduced the expression of G2/M cell cycle associated key protein, leading to the inhibition of cellular entry into mitosis phase. We also confirmed that MTE exerted a significant antitumor effect on the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model in vivo.Conclusion: G2/M cell cycle arrest occurred by the action of MTE, mediated by the upregulation of 14-3-3σ as well as downregulation of c-myc in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines.

Ent-11α-Hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid Inhibits Growth of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells by Arresting Cell Cycle and Triggering Apoptosis

Objective： To examine the apoptotic effect of ent-llα-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid （5F）, a compound isolated from Pteris semipinnata L （PsL）, in human lung cancer A549 cells. Methods： A549 cells were treated with 5F （0-80 lag/ml） for different time periods. Cytotoxicity was examined using a Ml-I- method. Cell cycle was examined using propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was examined using Hoechst 33258 staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and caspase-3 activity analysis. Expression of representative apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） level was measured using standard protocols. Potential interaction of 5F with cisplatin was also examined. Results： 5F inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. 5F increased the accumulation of cells in sub-G1 phase and arrested the cells in the G2 phase. Exposure to 5F induced morphological changes and DNA fragmentation that are characteristic of apoptosis. The expression of p21 was increased. 5F exposure also increased Bax expression, release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor （AIF）, and activation of caspase-3. 5F significantly sensitized the cells to cisplatin toxicity. Interestingly, treatment with 5F did not increase ROS, but reduced ROS production induced by cisplatin. Conclusion： 5F could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells by arresting the cells in G2 phase and by inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

Growth arrest-specific gene 2 suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by intervention of cell cycle and p53-dependent apoptosis

BACKGROUND Growth arrest-specific gene 2(GAS2)plays a role in modulating in reversible growth arrest cell cycle,apoptosis,and cell survival.GAS2 protein is universally expressed in most normal tissues,particularly in the liver,but is depleted in some tumor tissues.However,the functional mechanisms of GAS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are not fully defined.AIM To investigate the function and mechanism of GAS2 in HCC.METHODS GAS2 expression in clinic liver and HCC specimens was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting.Cell proliferation was analyzed by counting,MTS,and colony formation assays.Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry.Cell apoptosis was investigated by Annexin V apoptosis assay and western blotting.RESULTS GAS2 protein expression was lower in HCC than in normal tissues.Overexpression of GAS2 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells with wide-type p53,while knockdown of GAS2 promoted the proliferation of hepatocytes(P<0.05).Furthermore,GAS2 overexpression impeded the G1-to-S cell cycle transition and arrested more G1 cells,particularly the elevation of sub G1(P<0.01).Apoptosis induced by GAS2 was dependent on p53,which was increased by etoposide addition.The expression of p53 and apoptosis markers was further enhanced when GAS2 was upregulated,but became diminished upon downregulation of GAS2.In the clinic specimen,GAS2 was downregulated in more than 60%of HCCs.The average fold changes of GAS2 expression in tumor tissues were significantly lower than those in paired non-tumor tissues(P<0.05).CONCLUSION GAS2 plays a vital role in HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis,possibly by regulating the cell cycle and p53-dependent apoptosis pathway.

Viral infections and cell cycle G2/M regulation

Progression of cells from G2 phase of the cell cycle to mitosis is a tightly regulated cellular process that requires activation of the Cdc2 kinase, which determines onset of mitosis in all eukaryotic cells. In both human and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) cells, the activity of Cdc2 is regulated in part by the phosphorylation status of tyrosine 15 (Tyr15) on Cdc2, which is phosphorylated by Wee1 kinase during late G2 and is rapidly dephosphorylated by the Cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase to trigger entry into mitosis. These Cdc2 regulators are the downstream targets of two well- characterized G2/M checkpoint pathways which prevent cells from entering mitosis when cellular DNA is damaged or when DNA replication is inhibited. Increasing evidence suggests that Cdc2 is also commonly targeted by viral proteins, which modulate host cell cycle machinery to benefit viral survival or replication. In this review, we describe the effect of viral protein R (Vpr) encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) on cell cycle G2/M regulation. Based on our current knowledge about this viral effect, we hypothesize that Vpr induces cell cycle G2 arrest through a mechanism that is to some extent different from the classic G2/M checkpoints. One the unique features distinguishing Vpr-induced G2 arrest from the classic checkpoints is the role of phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in Vpr-induced G2 arrest. Interestingly, PP2A is targeted by a number of other viral proteins including SV40 small T antigen, polyomavirus T antigen, HTLV Tax and adenovirus E4orf4. Thus an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Vpr-induced G2 arrest will provide additional insights into the basic biology of cell cycle G2/M regulation and into the biological significance of this effect during host-pathogen interactions.

二烯丙基二硫通过磷酸化Chk1负调控Cdc25C/CyclinB1/CDK1通路阻滞白血病K562细胞G_(2)/M期

目的:研究二烯丙基二硫(diallyl disulfide,DADS)诱导人白血病K562细胞周期阻滞及其分子机制。方法:采用CCK-8、细胞计数及流式细胞术观察DADS对K562细胞增殖与周期阻滞效应。Western Blot检测DADS对K562细胞PCNA、Chk1/2以及下游分子Cdc25C、CyclinB1与CDK1表达的影响。结果:CCK-8检测显示,15μmol/L、30μmol/L、60μmol/L、120μmol/L、240μmol/L DADS处理后,呈浓度依赖性抑制K562细胞增殖,抑制率分别为32.48%、59.34%、66.42%、77.06%、81.05%(P<0.05)。对照组与Tween80组无抑制作用(P>0.05)。细胞计数结果显示,30μmol/L、60μmol/L与120μmol/L DADS处理K562细胞后,群体倍增时间分别为22.71±0.29、36.69±0.93与73.02±0.87呈浓度依赖性增加(P<0.05),而Tween80组与对照组无明显差异(P>0.05)。流式细胞术检测显示,60μmol/L与120μmol/L DADS作用K562细胞24 h与48 h后,G_(2)/M期百分率分别增加到17.6%与28.5%和18.6%与34.4%,较对照组有显著性差异(P<0.05)。60μmol/L DADS作用K562细胞1 h、2 h、4 h、8 h和24 h后,PCNA表达呈时间依赖性表达下调(P<0.05)。p-Chk1表达呈时间依赖性上调(P<0.05),而Chk1、Chk2与p-Chk2表达无明显差异(P>0.05)。并且,Cdc25C、CyclinB1和CDK1分别呈时间依赖性下调(P<0.05),但是,14-3-3蛋白无明显改变(P>0.05)。结论:DADS可磷酸化Chk1通过Cdc25C/CyclinB1/CDK1通路抑制K562细胞增殖与阻滞G_(2)/M期。

The MORC2 p.S87L mutation reduces proliferation of pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with the spinal muscular atrophy-like phenotype by inhibiting proliferation-related signaling pathways

Mutations in the microrchidia CW-type zinc finger protein 2(MORC2)gene are the causative agent of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z(CMT2Z),and the hotspot mutation p.S87L is associated with a more seve re spinal muscular atrophy-like clinical phenotype.The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of the severe phenotype caused by the MORC2 p.S87L mutation and to explore potential treatment strategies.Epithelial cells were isolated from urine samples from a spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)-like patient[MORC2 p.S87L),a CMT2Z patient[MORC2 p.Q400R),and a healthy control and induced to generate pluripotent stem cells,which were then differentiated into motor neuron precursor cells.Next-generation RNA sequencing followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes involved in the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways were enriched in the p.S87L SMA-like patient group and were significantly downregulated in induced pluripotent stem cells.Reduced proliferation was observed in the induced pluripotent stem cells and motor neuron precursor cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient group compared with the CMT2Z patient group and the healthy control.G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest was observed in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient.MORC2 p.S87Lspecific antisense oligonucleotides(p.S87L-ASO-targeting)showed significant efficacy in improving cell prolife ration and activating the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK pathways in induced pluripotent stem cells.Howeve r,p.S87L-ASO-ta rgeting did not rescue prolife ration of motor neuron precursor cells.These findings suggest that downregulation of the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways leading to reduced cell proliferation and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in induced pluripotent stem cells might be the underlying mechanism of the severe p.S87L SMA-like phenotype.p.S87L-ASO-targeting treatment can alleviate disordered cell proliferation in the early stage of pluripotent stem cell induction.

Z-Guggulsterone alleviated renal fibrosis and G_(2)/M cycle arrest through Klotho/P53 signaling

OBJECTIVE Chronic kidney disease(CKD)has become a global public health problem with 10%-15%incidence rate,and inhibiting the renal interstitial fibrosis is considered to be a potential strategy to delay the progression of CKD.Z-Guggulsterone(Z-GS),an active compound from derived from Commiphora mukul,has been proved to be effective in various diseases.The present study aimes to determine the protective effect and the molecular mechanism of Z-GS on renal fibrosis.METHODS Unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)mice and hypoxia-induced HK-2 cells were used to simulate renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo,respectively.The mice and cells were treated with different doses of Z-GS to observe the pharmacological action.Renal function,including Scr,BUN,and UA,were detected by commercial kits.H&E and Masson staining were performed to observe histopathological changes of kidney.Cell viability and LDH release of HK-2 cells were detected by commercial kits.Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were analyzed by flow cytometry.Fibrosis markers were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis.Cell cycle related proteins and Klotho/p53 signaling were analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS The results showed that Z-GS decreased the rise of Scr,BUN,and UA and lightened renal histopathological injury,which were induced by UUO.Besides,Z-GS administration alleviated renal fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the expressions ofα-SMA,TGF-βand collagenⅣ,and delayed G2/M cell cycle arrest by promoting the expressions of CDK1 and cyclinD1/B1 rate.Experiments in vitro indicated that Z-GS treatment significantly increased the cell viability while decreased the LDH release in hypoxia-induced HK-2 cells.In addition,hypoxia induced fibrosis and G2/M cycle arrest in HK-2 cells were retarded by Z-GS.The study of its possible mechanism exhibited that Z-GS treatment increased the level of Klotho and inhibited P53 level.Nevertheless,the effect of Z-GS on Klotho/P53 signaling was reversed by siRNA-Klotho.Moreover,siRNA-Klotho treatment eliminated the effects of Z-GS on G2/M cell cycle arrest and fibrosis.CONCLUSION This study clarified that Z-GS alleviated renal fibrosis and G2/M cycle arrest through Klotho/P53 signaling pathway.People who have suffered CKD may potentially benefit from treatment with Z-GS.

Research on cell cycle retardation, apoptosis and the expression of antioncogene p57^(Kip2) by radioactive rays in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line in vitro

Objective: To study cell cycle retardation, apoptosis and the expression of antioncogene p57kip2 by radioactive rays in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Methods: Cell cycle retardation, apoptosis and cell survival rate induced by radioac- tive rays were tested by the methods of flow cytometry and MTT method. The expression of antioncogene p57kip2 was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results: After irradiation, G1 phase had no obvious retardation, S phase showed transient delay. There was a positive correlation between irradiation dosage and retardation strength in G2/M phase (P < 0.01). Peak value appeared at 24 h after 12 Gy irradiation, then decreased. There was a positive correlation between apop- tosis incidence and irradiation dosage or after-irradiation time extention (P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between cell survival rate and irradiation dosage or apoptosis incidence (P < 0.01). The expression of p57kip2 protein was up-regulated along with the prolongation of time and dosage after irradiation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis and the up-regulation of the expression of p57kip2 protein all can reflect predict the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Arsenic Trioxide Inhibits Proliferation in K562 Cells by Changing Cell Cycle and Survivin Expression

To study the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of chronic myeloid leukemic cells (K562) proliferation induced by arsenic trioxide (As 2O 3) and to explore the potential role of Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, in the regulation of As 2O 3 induced cell apoptosis, K562 cells were cultured with As 2O 3 of different concentrations. Cells were collected for proliferation analysis by MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of Survivin protein and mRNA were detected by flow cytometry and RT-PCR, respectively. Our results showed that As 2O 3 (2-10 μmol/L) inhibited K562 cells growth effectively, but it did not induce cells apoptosis significantly. The percentage of K562 cells at G 2/M phase increased in proportion to As 2O 3 concentrations, and the expression of Survivin mRNA and content of Survivin protein was up-regulated accordingly. It is concluded that As 2O 3 inhibited K562 cells growth by inducing cell cycle arrest mainly at G 2/M phase. Over-expression of Survivin gene and protein might be one of the possible mechanisms contributing to K562 cells' resistance to As 2O 3-induced apoptosis.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells

AIM: To investigate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) water extract on human hepatoma cell lines,HepG2 and Hep3B cells. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of Chaga extract was screened by 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological observation,flow cytometry analysis,Western blot were employed to elucidate the cytotoxic mechanism of Chaga extract. RESULTS: HepG2 cells were more sensitive to Chaga extract than Hep3B cells,as demonstrated by markedly reduced cell viability. Chaga extract inhibited the cell growth in a dose-dependent manner,which was accompanied with G0/G1-phase arrest and apoptotic cell death. In addition,G0/G1 arrest in the cell cycle was closely associated with down-regulation of p53,pRb,p27,cyclins D1,D2,E,cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 2,Cdk4,and Cdk6 expression. CONCLUSION: Chaga mushroom may provide a new therapeutic option,as a potential anticancer agent,in the treatment of hepatoma.

Influence of CDK1 and CDK2 siRNA interference on tumor cell cycle and cell apoptosis

Objective： We investigated the influence of CDK1 and CDK2 expression inhibited by cotransfection of CDK1 and CDK2 siRNA on cell cycle and apoptosis, explored the exact role of cell cycle master regulator in tumor cell apoptosis process. Methods： The siRNA targeting the CDK1 and CDK2 genes were synthesized and simultaneously cotransfected into Hela cells by lipofectamine 2000.48 or 60 h after the cotransfection, CDK1 and CDK2 protein expressions were examined by Western blot. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis was detected by the Annexin V/PI method. The changes of the transfected cell morphological under a microscope after Wright-Giemsa Staining were studied. Results： CDK1 and CDK2 protein expression was decreased at 48 or 60 h after cotransfection. The accumulation of the G2/M and S phase population in cell cycle of the cotransfected cells at 48 or 60 h after transfection was enhanced obviously compared with control. The ratio of apoptotic cell of cotransfected cells at 48 or 60 h after transfection was increased significantly compared with control. More binucleate or multinucleate ceJls among cotransfected cells were observed under the microscope. Conclusion： The decreased expression of CDK1 and CDK2 by cotransfection of CDK1 and CDK2 siRNA not only leads to tumor cell cycle arrest in S phase and G2/M phase, but also induces tumor cell apoptosis.

Cucurbitacin E inhibits the proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo through induction of G2/M phase arrest

Objective Cucurbitacins are the highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes,which are predominantly found in the Cucurbitaceae family but are also present in several other families of the plant kingdom.A number of compounds of this group have been investigated for their cytotoxic,hepatoprotective,anti-inflammatory,cardiovascular and anti-diabetic activities.In China,the cucurbitacin preparation,which contains mostly cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin E,has been clinically used for the treatment of the primary liver carcinoma.It has been previously reported that cucurbitacin E could produce cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells,and various mechanisms were implicated in its cytotoxic effect.The present study is to investigate the effect of cucurbitacin E on hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo and to study their potential mechanisms of action.Methods The MTT assay was used to assess the viability of human HepG2 and BEL7402 hepatoma cells in vitro after treatment with different concentrations of cucurbitacin E.The cell cycle distribution was determined by flowcytometric analysis after propidium iodide(PI)staining.The cell cycle-related proteins were detected using western blotting analysis.Implanted mouse hepatoma H22 model was built to evaluate the growth inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin E in vivo in mice.Results Our studies found that cucurbitacin E(10-300 nM)produced anti-proliferative effect on human HepG2 and BEL7402 hepatoma cells in vitro without cytotoxicity.According to flowcytometric analysis,cucurbitacin E arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase in both HepG2 and BEL7402 hepatoma cells after 24 h treatment.Cucurbitacin E induced the decrease in the level of CDK1 protein and the increase in the level of p21 protein,but had no effect on the levels of cyclin A,cyclin B1 and Cdc25C protein.In in vivo anti-tumor experiment,cucurbitacin E had significant inhibitory effects on the growth of mouse H22 hepatoma cells.Conclusions Cucurbitacin E inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo,at least in part,through induction of cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase,which was mediated by concomitant upregulation of p21 and downregulation of CDK1.We consider that cucurbitacin E may be useful in the treatment of liver cancer.

2(±)-7,8,3',4',5'-Pentamethoxyflavan induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in human leukemia HL60 cells

Objective Flavans are a set of naturally occurring flavonoids possessing a 2-phenylchroman nucleus,which are widely distributed in the plant kingdom.A number of flavan compounds exhibit antitumor activities.In our previous report,a straightforward synthetic procedure for 2(±)-7,8,3',4',5'-pentamethoxyflavan(PMF)was developed.To be more important,PMF showed growth inhibitory effect on various human tumor cell lines,especially against HL60 cells.In the present study,we aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of PMF in HL60 cells.This is the first report of the molecular mechanisms on anti-tumor effect of flavan compounds.Methods Trypan blue exclusion experiment was used for cell growth inhibition assay.Cell apoptosis,cell cycle distribution and the mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)were assessed by flowcytometric analysis after AO/EB,PI and Rh123 flurescence staining,respectively.Cell cycle-and apoptosis-related proteins were detected using western blotting analysis.Results PMF(1-30 μM)inhibited the growth of HL60 cells in a time-and concentration-dependent manner.Antiproliferative effect of PMF on HL60 cells was associated with G2/M cell cycle arrest,which was mediated by regulating the expression of p21,Cdc25C and cyclin A proteins and inhibiting the phosphorylation of Cdc2 at Thr161.The prolonged PMF treatment also induced apoptosis of HL60 cells,which was characterized by DNA fragmentation,cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase,caspase-3,caspase-8 and caspase-9,changes of Bcl-2 and Bax expression and a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP).Furthermore,caspase-3 inhibitor,not caspase-8 inhibitor and caspase-9 inhibitor,completely blocked PMF-caused apoptosis.Conclusions PMF inhibited the growth of HL60 cells via induction of G2/M arrest and apoptosis.Blockade of cell cycle was associated with the downregulation of Cdc2 complex activity.Both death receptor and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways explained PMF-caused apoptosis.

A RAPID ESTIMATION OF CELL CYCLE PARAMETERS：ONE HOUR COUNTINUOUS BROMODEOXYURIDINE（BrdUrd）LABELING METHOD

For any cultured cell lines during their exponentially growing phase,the outflow rate of G2M cells can be measured with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) continuous labeling.The duration of G2M phase can be estibmated from the slope of the outtflow rate, The cell cycling time and the durations of G1 phase and S phase can be calculated from the measured fractions of G1, S cells and the cell age distribution theory. The method described here was simple and only about 1 hour was needed Several cell lines were measured and the obtained results were equivalent to the values determined by the FLSm curve or other methods.

莱菔硫烷诱导HepG-2细胞G_2/M期阻滞及其对Cdk1和CyclinB1蛋白表达的影响

目的:研究莱菔硫烷(SFN)在体外对人肝癌HepG-2细胞G2/M期的阻滞作用,并探讨其分子作用机制。方法:10、20、40μmol·L-1的SFN处理体外培养的HepG-2细胞株48h后,采用流式细胞仪检测SFN对HepG2细胞周期的影响;WesternBlot法检测SFN对HepG2细胞内Cdk1、p-Cdk1(Thr14)和CyclinB1蛋白表达的影响。结果:SFN作用于HepG-2细胞48h后,随着SFN浓度的增大,G2/M期细胞比例逐渐升高,当SFN浓度达到40μmol·L-1时,G2/M期细胞比例达到31.95%,且出现凋亡峰;随SFN浓度的增大,细胞内Cdk1和CyclinB1蛋白的表达量显著降低(P<0.01或P<0.05),同时p-Cdk1(Thr14)的表达显著升高(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论:SFN可诱导人肝癌HepG-2细胞发生G2/M期阻滞;SFN可通过下调HepG-2细胞内Cdk1和CyclinB1蛋白的表达、上调p-Cdk1(Thr14)的蛋白表达水平,进而抑制Cdk1-CyclinB1复合物的形成和活化使人肝癌HepG-2细胞阻滞在G2/M期。