Effect of RNA interference on WT1 gene expression in breast cancer MCF-7 cell line

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of RNA interference (RNAi) on WT1 gene expression in MCF-7 cell line. Methods:Several pairs of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for WT1 gene was designed and transfected into MCF-7 cells. WT1 gene expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and WT1 protein expression was tested by western blotting. Results: Expression of WT1 gene can be effectively suppressed by siRNA in a concentration-independent manner. RNAi could be maintained at low concentration, for example at 10 nmol/L, for at least 4 d. Conclusions:Expression of WT1 gene can be effectively inhibited by siRNA in MCF-7 cells. Simultaneous transfection with siRNA increases the sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to vincristine.