OBJECTIVETo construct a plasmid vector expressing the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and to investigate its effect in vitro on the expression of PCNA, proliferation and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells.

METHODSA plasmid vector expressing the short hairpin RNA targeting at PCNA was constructed and transfected into human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 by dosper liposomal method. PCNA mRNA and protein expressions were examined using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Inhibition of the cell proliferation was studied by MTT method and colony forming assay. DNA synthesis was analyzed by (3)H-TdR incorporation and the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. The apoptotic cells were stained with acridine orange.

RESULTSExpression of PCNA mRNA after the transfection was markedly inhibited by 80.51% with a PI value of 25.68% of that of the control group. PCNA shRNA inhibited MG-63 cell growth detected by using MTT method, with an inhibition rate of 61.78% at 48 h. DNA synthesis rate also decreased in the (3)H-TdR incorporation test. Flow cytometry analysis showed an increase of the percentage of G(0)/G(1) phase cells, along with a decrease of cell population in the S phase. The apoptosis rate of cells transfected with the plasmid vector was 16.54%.

CONCLUSIONSPCNA shRNA significantly suppresses the expression of PCNA at both mRNA and protein levels, corresponding to an inhibition of the proliferation of MG-63 cell and an increase of the cellular apoptosis.