OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of Notch1 signaling pathway by Notch intracellular domain (NICD) plasmid transfection on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODSThe transfection rates were observed under microscope with fluorescence stimulation, and mRNA expression levels of Hes1 were detected by real-time PCR. Cell proliferation changes were evaluated by CCK-8 after NICD and control plasmid transfection in pancreatic cancer cells. Caspase 3 activity was examined using a caspase 3 detection kit.

RESULTSThe transfection rates of NICD plasmid were up to 80% by fluorescence stimulation observation. Hes1 expression was significantly increased after NICD plasmid transfection, suggesting the activation of Notch1 signaling pathway. NICD plasmid transfection significantly promoted cancer cell proliferation compared to control plasmid transfeciton. The activities of caspase 3 were obviously decreased after NICD plasmid transfection in 3 pancreatic cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSIONActivation of Notch1 signaling pathway by NICD plasmid transfection can promote the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the apoptosis pathway.