Effect of silencing Bcl-2 expression by small interfering RNA on radiosensitivity of gastric cancer BGC823 cells

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells
09:24

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells

Published on: August 12, 2015

Hong-Tao Liu1, Chun-Lei Lu

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Zhengzhou People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450001, China.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
|January 16, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Silencing Bcl-2 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced Bcl-2 protein expression in gastric cancer cells. This enhanced cell apoptosis and radiosensitivity, showing promise for clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
  • Bcl-2 protein plays a crucial role in cell survival and resistance to apoptosis.
  • Targeting Bcl-2 offers a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of silencing Bcl-2 gene expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in gastric cancer BGC823 cells.
  • To evaluate the impact of Bcl-2 silencing on Bcl-2 protein levels, apoptosis rates, and radiosensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Designed and synthesized siRNA targeting the Bcl-2 gene.
  • Transfected gastric cancer BGC823 cells with Bcl-2 siRNA using liposomes.
  • Assessed Bcl-2 protein expression via Western Blotting.
  • Determined apoptosis rates and radiosensitivity using flow cytometry and clone formation assays post-X radiation.

Main Results:

  • Bcl-2 siRNA transfection significantly decreased Bcl-2 protein expression in BGC823 cells (P<0.01).
  • Apoptosis rates significantly increased in Bcl-2 siRNA-treated cells compared to controls (P<0.01).
  • Radiosensitivity was enhanced, with decreased D(0) and D(q) values and increased SF(2) in the Bcl-2 siRNA group.

Conclusions:

  • Specific siRNA targeting the Bcl-2 gene effectively inhibits its expression in gastric cancer cells.
  • Silencing Bcl-2 enhances apoptosis and radiosensitivity of BGC823 gastric cancer cells.
  • This approach demonstrates potential for clinical application in gastric cancer treatment.

More Related Videos

Bacterial Delivery of RNAi Effectors: Transkingdom RNAi07:56

Bacterial Delivery of RNAi Effectors: Transkingdom RNAi

Published on: August 18, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Experimental RNAi02:15

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...