Abstract:

Objective   To observe the effect of cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK cells) on the apoptosis of gastric cancer (GC) cells, and explore the role of microRNA-200c (miR-200c) in this process. Methods   MiR-200c was determined by real time quantitative PCR, and the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry in GC cells (MKN-45 and BGC803). psiCHECK2-FAP-1 3’-UTR containing the binding site of miR-200c was constructed, and then transfected into GC cells. Luciferase activity of FAP-1 (Fas-associated phosphatase-1) was determined with the assistance of dual luciferase report system. Results   CIK cells promoted GC cell apoptosis (P<0.01) and the expression of miR-200c ［(2.10±0.25) fold, P＜0.05］, and miR-200c inhibitor might block this process (P<0.05). Moreover, miR-200c mimics induced GC cell apoptosis (P<0.05). The similar trend was also observed in BGC-803 cells. MiR-200c targeted at the site of FAP-1 3’-UTR, and CIK cells decreased the luciferase activity of GC cells ［MKN45: (49.67±2.36)%, P<0.01; BGC803: (43.86±4.41)%, P<0.01］. Conclusion   CIK cells could enhance GC cell apoptosis by upregulating miR-200c, which may provide a new database to elucidate GC therapy using CIK cells.

Key words: Stomach neoplasms; CIK cell; Apoptosis; MiR-200c; Fas-associated phosphatase-1