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In Vitro Synthesis of Modified mRNA for Induction of Protein Expression in Human Cells
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Differential mRNA expression of the main apoptotic proteins in normal and malignant cells and its relation to in

Andrea Vazanova1,2, Jana Jurecekova1,3, Tomas Balharek4

  • 11Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFM), Comenius University in Bratislava (CU), Mala Hora 4D, 03601 Martin, Slovak Republic.

Cancer Cell International
|March 9, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Investigating apoptotic gene expression in cancer patients revealed elevated p53 and BAX mRNA in leukemia. High Bcl-2 levels appear to block apoptosis, suggesting personalized combination therapy for improved cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Apoptosis is crucial for multicellular organism development and homeostasis.
  • Deregulation of apoptosis is linked to severe diseases, including cancer.
  • Oncogenic mutations can disrupt apoptosis, driving tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of apoptotic genes in cancer patients.
  • To explore the relationship between gene expression and drug resistance.
  • To assess the impact of specific gene levels on chemoresistance.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 102 samples from leukemia (n=60) and solid tumor (n=42) patients.
  • Quantitative RT-PCR to measure mRNA expression levels of p53, BAX, Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL.
  • In vitro chemoresistance evaluation of leukemic cells using the MTT assay.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant increase in p53, BAX, Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL mRNA in leukemia samples compared to healthy volunteers.
  • No significant difference in mRNA levels observed among solid tumor samples.
  • Positive correlation between p53 and BAX mRNA in both patient groups; highest Bcl-2/BAX ratio in solid tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated p53 and BAX mRNA may signal genomic DNA integrity changes during malignant transformation.
  • p53 likely regulates BAX, but high Bcl-2 levels may inhibit p53-mediated apoptosis.
  • Differential apoptosis resistance mechanisms necessitate personalized combination therapies for oncological patients.
Keywords:
ApoptosisMalignant cellsResistancemRNA expression

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