OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (Skp2 ASODN) on the growth and proliferation of gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 cells and its mechanism.

METHODSThe Skp2 oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) were embedded in cationic liposome Lipofectamine 2000 reagent and transfected into SGC-7901 cells. The cell growth and proliferation were observed with light microscopy and MTT assay. Cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of Skp2 and p27 mRNA were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of Skp2 protein and its substrate p27 protein were detected by Western blot.

RESULTAfter treatment with Skp2 ASODN, the growth and proliferation of SGC-7901 cells were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with a peak value at 48 h. The inhibition rate of 200 nmol/L group at 48 h was 42.4 % (P<0.01). In cell cycle study the percentage of S phase cells in 200 nmol/L group was significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<0.05). Both Skp2 mRNA and its protein levels in 200 nmol/L group were significantly lower than those in control group and in Skp2 nonsense oligodeoxynucleotide (Skp2 NSODN) group (P<0.05). However, p27 mRNA level remained unchanged although its protein level was significantly higher than that in control group and NSODN group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSkp2 ASODN can inhibit the growth and proliferation of SGC-7901 cells, which may be mediated by interfering with ubiquitin-proteosome pathway and cell cycle regulation.