OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of CD147 gene on the proliferation and infiltration of a human monocytic leukemic cell line SHI-1.

METHODSThe expression of CD147 in SHI-1 cells was knockdowned by the lentiviral vector. The expressions of CD147, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR. The protein of CD147 was detected by Western blotting. The capabilities of proliferation and infiltration of SHI-1 cell were examined by MTT and trans- matrigel invasion assay co-cultured with leukemia BMSC in vitro. SHI-1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously or via tail vein into nude mice to investigate its growth and infiltrative ability in vivo.

RESULTSThe mRNA and protein of CD147 in SHI-1/CD147i cells decreased by 85% and 91%, respectively after the SHI-1 cells were infected by the lentivirus containing the CD147 siRNA. The proliferation capability of SHI-1/CD147i cells significantly decreased than those of SHI-1 and SHI-1/NC cells. The mRNA expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 in SHI-1/CD147i cells were significantly lower than those in SHI-1/NC and SHI-1 cells. The SHI-1/CD147i cells showed significantly lower invasion rate than SHI-1 cells and SHI-1/NC cells when co-cultured with BMSCs. The neoplasms formed by SHI-1/CD147i cells in the subcutaneous of mice were significantly smaller than of the neoplasms formed by SHI-1 and SHI-1/NC cells. In nude mice inoculated via caudal vein with SHI/CD147i cells, mice demonstrated longer survival and moderate infiltration characteristic than those inoculated with SHI and SHI-1/NC cells.

CONCLUSIONCD147 might play important roles in the proliferation and infiltration of leukemia cells. CD147 should be a potential target for the treatment of acute leukemia.