Effect of DPC4 gene transfection on chemotherapy sensitivity of pancreatic carcinoma cells

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of DPC4 gene transfection on the chemotherapy sensitivity of pancreatic carcinoma cells. Methods The human DPC4 complementary DNA was subcloned to the retroviral vector pLXSN to obtain recombinant pLXSN/DPC4 with direct inserting potential. The daughter cell BxPC-3/DPC4 which had DPC4 stable expression was acquired after the pancreatic carcinoma BxPC-3 cells had been transfected with pLXSN/DPC4. The sensitivity of the carcinoma cells for 5-Fu and gemcitabine was observed. Meanwhile, the mRNA level of Mdr-1 and Chk1was detected by semi-quantity PCR assay. Results The 50% inhibiting concentrations (IC50)of 5-Fuand gemcitabin4e for BxPC-3 (culturing for 72 h) were rather lower than those of BxPC-3/pLXSN and BxPC-3/-cells. Moreover, the semi-quantity PCR assay revealed that the mRNA level of Mdr-1 and Chk1 was down-regulated. These findings indicated that pLXSN/DPC4 vector, 5-Fu and gemcitabine could inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. The combined therapy with pLXSN/DPC4 vector and chemotherapeutic drugs could further inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Conclusion The DPC4 gene transfection could enhance the sensitivity of pancreatic cells to chemotherapy, which may be realized through the down-regulation of Mdr-1 and Chk1 gene expression. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; DPC4; Retroviral vector; Gene therapy; Chemotherapy