Article Abstract

THE EXPRESSION OF CONNEXIN GENES IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA CELLS AND THE EFFECT OF RETINOIC ACID ON THE REGULATION OF THOSE GENES

Authors: Ning Jiang,Liang-hua Bin,Xiang-na Tang,Ming Zhou,Zhao-yang Zeng,Gui-yuan Li

Abstract

Objective: To detect which members in the connexin gene family are expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line HNE1, and the mechanism by which those genes are specifically switched on and off during retinoic acid (RA) induction.

Methods: Establishing the cell growth curves of NPC cells. Observing the effect of RA on connexin genes by Northern hybridization.

Results: Two genes Cx46 and Cx37, belonging to the connexin gene family, were expressed in HNE1 The down-regulation of Cx46 and Cx37, up-regulation of RARa and growth inhibition was observed in HNE1 after exposure to RA. The gene expression and cell growth in HNE1 cells was restored after removal of RA.

Conclusion: Two members of the connexin gene family: Cx37 and Cx46 were expressed in HNE1 cells, RA can inhibit the expression of those two genes mediated by RARa, and the effects of RA on HNE1 are reversible.

Article Options