Abstract:

Objective · To explore the effects of silencing Golgi protein 73 (GP73) with RNA interference (RNAi) on the migration and invasion ability of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Methods · GP73 small interfering RNA (siRNA) synthesized with cathodolyte liposome transfection method was used to transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were assigned to the blank control group, the negative control group, and the GP73 siRNA group. Cells were cultured for 48 hours. Real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA were used to detect the changes in mRNA and protein expressions of GP73 in HepG2 cells after transfection. Changes in migration and invasion of HepG2 cells were observed using Transwell migration assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell invasion assay. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. Results · GP73 siRNA significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of GP73 in HepG2 cells. The migration and invasion of HepG2 cells and mRNA and protein expressions of MP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased after transfection. Conclusion · siRNA interference-mediated GP73 silencing can inhibit the migration and invasion of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Key words: Golgi protein 73, hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 cells, RNA interference, migration, invasive