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Nuclear matrix associated protein PML: an arsenic trioxide apoptosis therapeutic target protein in HepG2 cells

Ding Yu1, Zihui Wang, Liyuan Zhu

  • 1Department of Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University, Shenzhen 518036, China.

Chinese Medical Journal
|April 2, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) inhibits HepG2 cell growth and induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. As(2)O(3) treatment also decreases promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) protein expression, suggesting PML may be a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) is a known therapeutic agent.
  • The effects of As(2)O(3) on cancer cell apoptosis and specific protein expression require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of As(2)O(3) on HepG2 cell apoptosis.
  • To determine the impact of As(2)O(3) on the expression of promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) protein.

Main Methods:

  • HepG2 cells were treated with varying concentrations of As(2)O(3) (0.5-10 micro mol/L) for 24 or 96 hours.
  • Apoptosis was assessed using DNA ladder assays and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) labeling (TUNEL).
  • PML protein expression was analyzed via Western blotting and confocal microscopy.

Main Results:

  • As(2)O(3) treatment significantly inhibited HepG2 cell growth.
  • Apoptosis was induced in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.
  • PML protein expression and nuclear localization decreased following As(2)O(3) treatment.

Conclusions:

  • As(2)O(3) effectively inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.
  • As(2)O(3) treatment leads to the degradation of PML protein in HepG2 cells.
  • PML protein may be a therapeutic target for As(2)O(3) treatment in cancer therapy.

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