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Updated: May 27, 2026
In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Survivin siRNA inhibits gastric cancer in nude mice
Zhao Wenying1, Ji Zhaoning, Yang Zhimin
1Department of Medical Oncology, Yijishan Hospital Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu 241000, China. zhaowy98@yahoo.com.cn
Abstract:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression of survivin, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in survivin-specific siRNA-transfected human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803. For this purpose, the target gene fragments were cloned into pSilencer3.1-Hl neo vector. Recombinant eukaryotic expression vector, pSilencer3.1-SVV was successfully constructed and then the recombinant vector was transfected into gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. The mRNA expression of survivin was determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Survivin protein expression was detected by Western blot. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Our data regarding RT-PCR and Western blot showed that pSilencer3.1-SVV vector could knockdown the expression of survivin mRNA and protein. In contrast with the control group, the apoptotic index of MGC-803 cells increased remarkably. Survivin-specific siRNA caused cells accumulation in the G2/M phase and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase decreased after transfection. It was, therefore, concluded that the siRNA targeting survivin gene could inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and induce apoptosis. The use of survivin siRNA may provide a novel approach for gene therapy of gastric cancer.
Insights
Survivin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) effectively silenced survivin expression in gastric cancer cells. This inhibition suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, suggesting potential for gastric cancer gene therapy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Gastric cancer remains a significant health concern with limited effective treatments.
- Survivin is a key protein promoting cancer cell survival and proliferation.
- Targeting survivin offers a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of survivin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in inhibiting human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803.
- To assess the impact of survivin knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis.
- To explore the potential of survivin siRNA as a novel gene therapy approach for gastric cancer.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector (pSilencer3.1-SVV) containing survivin-specific siRNA.
- Transfection of the vector into MGC-803 gastric cancer cells.
- Analysis of survivin mRNA and protein expression using RT-PCR and Western blot.
- Assessment of cell cycle distribution and apoptosis via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Successful construction and transfection of the pSilencer3.1-SVV vector.
- Significant knockdown of survivin mRNA and protein expression in MGC-803 cells.
- Increased apoptotic index and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest following survivin-specific siRNA transfection.
- Reduced number of cells in the G0/G1 phase.
Conclusions:
- Survivin-specific siRNA effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.
- Targeting survivin gene expression holds promise for developing novel gene therapies for gastric cancer.
- Survivin siRNA represents a potential therapeutic avenue for combating gastric cancer growth.
