FAK gene silencing induces apoptosis of leukemic cells in vitro

AIM:Targeting of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) gene,we aim to construct FAK shRNA lentiviral vector and to identify its function on the growth of leukemic cells.METHODS:FAK shRNA was chemically synthesized,and inserted into a GFP-lentiviral plasmid through molecular biology methods.After packaged and concentrated,the lentiviral-FAK-shRNA-vector was transduced into a human leukemic cell line.FAK gene expression was detected by reverse transcriptional PCR and Western blotting.Cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V labeling.RESULTS:The results showed that FAK shRNA was successfully inserted into the lentival vector,and the infection efficiency varied from 10% to 25%.Compared to the control vector (lentival vector without FAK shRNA),FAK shRNA inhibited the expression of FAK mRNA and protein by 40% and 70%,respectively.Moreover,the results of apoptosis experiment showed that the percentages of Annexin V+ cells in control vector group and FAK shRNA group were (4.19 ± 0.36) % and (8.48 ± 0.58) % respectively,the difference was statistically significant (P0.05).CONCLUSION:We have successfully constructed a FAK shRNA lentival vector,and this vector inhibits FAK gene expression and induces apoptosis in leukemic cells.