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Published on: June 6, 2017
Gene expression profiling in apoptotic k562 cells treated by homoharringtonine
Wei Jin1, Jiong Wu, Zhigang Zhuang
1Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Cancer Institute, Cancer Hospital/Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China. jinwei166@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Gene chip technology was used to determine the gene expression profiles in apoptotic K562 cells induced by homoharringtonine. The expression of forty-four mRNAs was found to be changed significantly were identified after screening with a gene chip capable of detecting 14,218 different human mRNA species simultaneously. Of these genes, 17 were up-regulated and 27 were down-regulated. Most of them were found to be related to apoptosis, oncogenes, or tumor suppression. Several genes with altered gene expression, such as human transforming growth factor-beta inducible early protein gene (TIEG), vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 gene (VDUP1), RNA binding motif protein 4 gene (RBM4) and v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (C-MYC), were confirmed by Northern blot analysis. According to the dynamic gene expression pattern in these apoptotic cells, the activated transforming growth factor-beta and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways play an important role in homoharringtonine-induced apoptosis. TIEG was significantly altered after apoptosis induction, it should be critical for apoptosis signal transmission.
Insights
Homoharringtonine induces apoptosis in K562 cells by altering gene expression. Key genes involved in apoptosis, oncogenes, and tumor suppression pathways were identified, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genomics
Background:
- K562 cells are a human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line.
- Homoharringtonine is a natural alkaloid with potential anti-cancer properties.
- Understanding gene expression changes during apoptosis is crucial for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression profiles of K562 cells undergoing apoptosis induced by homoharringtonine.
- To identify specific genes and signaling pathways involved in this process.
- To explore the role of TIEG in homoharringtonine-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Gene chip technology was employed to screen 14,218 human mRNA species simultaneously.
- K562 cells were treated with homoharringtonine to induce apoptosis.
- Northern blot analysis was used to validate the expression of selected genes.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in the expression of 44 mRNAs were observed.
- 17 genes were up-regulated and 27 were down-regulated.
- Genes related to apoptosis, oncogenes, and tumor suppression were identified, including TIEG, VDUP1, RBM4, and C-MYC.
- Transforming growth factor-beta and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways were implicated.
Conclusions:
- Homoharringtonine induces apoptosis in K562 cells through significant alterations in gene expression.
- The transforming growth factor-beta and tumor necrosis factor pathways are critical in homoharringtonine-induced apoptosis.
- TIEG appears to play a crucial role in transmitting apoptotic signals.
