Biological functions of Survivin in chemosensitization of arctigenin in lung cancer H460 cells

Abstract

Objective To explore the role of survivin in the chemosensitization of arctigenin in lung cancer H460 cells. Methods Human full-length Survivin cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into pcDNA3.1(+) expression vector.The resultant survivin-expressing plasmid or empty vector was individually transfected into H460 cells using Lipofectamine 2000.Twenty-four hours after transfection,survivin expression in H460 cells was tested by Western blot.Transfected cells were exposed to arctigenin alone or combined with cisplatin and cell apoptosis was assessed using Annexin-Ⅴ/ PI staining methods. Results Compared to untransfected and empty vector-transfected H460 cells, survivin-transfected cells had a 10-fold elevation in the survivin expression.Low-dose cisplatin did not significantly affect the expression of survivin in H460 cells.In contrast,arctigenin significantly inhibited the expression of survivin protein.When cisplatin was combined with arctigenin,a greater inhibition of survivin expression was observed. Compared to transfection of empty vector, pre-transfection with pcDNA3.1-Survivin plasmid significantly reversed the pro-apoptotic activity of arctigenin alone or combined with cisplatin,leading to a significant reduction in the apoptotic index. Conclusions Arctigenin can inhibit the expression of survivin in lung cancer H460 cells.Arctigenin-mediated chemosensitization of lung cancer H460 cells to cisplatin is associated with suppression of survivin signaling pathway. Key words: Arctigenin; Apoptosis; Chemosensitization; Cisplatin; Lung cancer