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Updated: May 27, 2026

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
Published on: May 1, 2017
Reduced APRIL expression induces cellular senescence via a HSPG-dependent pathway
Weifeng Ding1, Shaoqing Ju, Shengyang Jiang
1Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20, Road Xisi, Nantong, China.
Abstract:
APRIL, a member of the TNF superfamily, can induce cell proliferation and is overexpressed in most tumor tissues or cells. Nevertheless, it is still unknown about the effect of decreased levels of APRIL expression on tumor cells. In this study, we analyzed APRIL and HSPG expression in the colon carcinoma cell line, SW480 by Western blot and RT-PCR. And the up-regulation of APRIL and HSPG expression was found in SW480. We also observed that knockdown of APRIL levels in SW480, prominently reversed cell proliferation and partially resulted in senescence phenotypes. Furthermore, cellular senescence due to a decreased level of APRIL expression was associated with engagement of HSPG. Thus, our results suggest that low levels of APRIL play an essential role in cellular senescence via a HSPG-dependent signaling pathway in SW480.
Insights
Decreased levels of APRIL (a proliferation-inducing protein) in colon cancer cells led to senescence, a process involving HSPG. This suggests APRIL
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- APRIL, a TNF superfamily member, promotes cell proliferation and is often overexpressed in tumors.
- The impact of reduced APRIL expression on tumor cells remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of decreased APRIL expression on colon carcinoma cell line SW480.
- To explore the role of HSPG in the context of APRIL modulation in these cells.
Main Methods:
- Western blot and RT-PCR were used to analyze APRIL and HSPG expression.
- APRIL levels were experimentally reduced (knockdown) in SW480 cells.
Main Results:
- Both APRIL and HSPG expression were found to be upregulated in SW480 cells.
- APRIL knockdown significantly reversed cell proliferation and induced partial senescence phenotypes.
- Cellular senescence observed was linked to HSPG engagement.
Conclusions:
- Reduced APRIL levels are crucial for inducing cellular senescence in SW480 cells.
- This senescence process is mediated through a HSPG-dependent signaling pathway.
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