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Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Preparation of Cell-lines for Conditional Knockdown of Gene Expression and Measurement of the Knockdown Effects on E4orf4-Induced Cell Death
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Preparation of Cell-lines for Conditional Knockdown of Gene Expression and Measurement of the Knockdown Effects on E4orf4-Induced Cell Death

Published on: October 21, 2012

Knockdown of Sox4 expression by RNAi induces apoptosis in ACC3 cells

P Pramoonjago1, A S Baras, C A Moskaluk

  • 1Department of Pathology and Biochemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Oncogene
|April 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Sox4 gene expression is elevated in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Downregulating Sox4 (Sry-related high mobility group box 4) significantly increased apoptosis and reduced cell viability in ACC cells, suggesting Sox4 promotes cancer survival.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Expression Analysis

Background:

  • Sox4 (Sry-related high mobility group box 4) is significantly upregulated in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) compared to normal tissues.
  • Elevated Sox4 expression suggests a potential role in ACC pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional significance of Sox4 in ACC.
  • To determine if Sox4 contributes to the malignant phenotype of ACC cells.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Sox4 protein levels in primary ACC tissues and normal controls.
  • RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to downregulate Sox4 expression in the ACC3 cell line.
  • Microarray gene expression profiling was performed on cells with Sox4 knockdown.

Main Results:

  • Sox4 protein was confirmed to be upregulated in ACC tissues.
  • Downregulation of Sox4 in ACC3 cells led to a 51% reduction in cell viability and an 85% increase in apoptosis.
  • Sox4 knockdown modulated the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle control.
  • The pro-apoptotic effects of Sox4 knockdown were reversible with Sox4 re-expression.

Conclusions:

  • Sox4 plays a crucial role in promoting cell survival in ACC.
  • Targeting Sox4 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for adenoid cystic carcinoma.

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