Effect of small interfering RNA targeting CD47 gene mediated by lentivirus vectors on proliferation and apoptosis of human laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells

Objective　To study the effect of small interfering RNA(siRNA) targeting CD47 gene mediated by lentivirus vectors on proliferation and apoptosis of human laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells. Methods　After building lentivirus vector, a siRNA directed against CD47 gene was transfected into Hep-2 cells. Cell morphological changes were observed by fluorescence microscopy. The changes in CD47 mRNA expression were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the protein of CD47 was evaluated byWestern blotting. Suppression of proliferation and apoptosis of Hep-2 cells were observed by MTT assay. Results　After the laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells were transfected by CD47-siRNA lentiviral plasmid, it was showed by fluorescence microscopy that the CD47 siRNA was able to effectively suppress the Hep-2 cell proliferation, the cells were deformed and diminished in size obviously, and necrosis and apoptosis were observed. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR andWestern blotting revealed that the expression of CD47 mRNA and protein decreased by 76%–82% and 77%, respectively(P<0.05). Forty-eight hours after the lentivirus vectors transfection, MTT assay revealed that cell apoptosisi ncreased significantly(P<0.01). Conclusion　Small interfering RNA targeting CD47 gene mediated by lentivirus vectors can significantly inhibit CD47 gene expression in Hep-2cells and induce cell apoptosis in vitro.