Effects of decitabine on proliferation, differentiation of K562 cells and the expression of KLF4 gene

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of decitabine(DAC)on proliferation and differentiation of K562 cells, and study the underling mechanisms. Methods K562 cells were treated with different doses of DAC for 48 h or 72 h, Cell viability was examined by MTT assay, cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, benzidine staining was used to show intracellular hemoglobin, real-time PCR was performed to detect the expression of γ-globin gene and KLF4 gene. Results DAC efficiently inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells, arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase and induced differentiation along erythroid linage. Furthermore, it significantly increased the expression of KLF4 gene. Conclusions DAC has potential antitumor activity in K562 cells, and upregulation of KLF4 may be one of the underling mechanisms. Key words: K562 cells; KLF4 gene; Decitabine