Effects of inhibition of human telomerase RNA by RNA interference on proliferation of HeLa cells

Objective To investigate the effect of inhibiting hTR expression by RNA interference on the proliferation of HeLa cell. Methods A combination plasmids expressing shRNA specific for human telomerase RNA were transfected by Lipofectamine into HeLa cells. The inhibitory of hTR mRNA level was assayed by RT-PCR. The activity of telomerase was tested by TRAP-EB staining. The proliferation activity of HeLa cells was determined using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Results As detected by RT-PCR,mRNA level of hTR in HeLa cells transfected by shRNA was reduced (59.7 ± 3.3)% and (56.3 ± 4.4)% than that of untransfected control and vector control,respectively. Telomerase activity of HeLa cells transfected by shRNA was decreased.The proliferation of HeLa cells transfected by shRNA was significantly reduced. Conclusion shRNA of human telomerase RNA can inhibit the expression of hTR and subsequently inhibit telomerase activity and the proliferation of HeLa cells.