Gene silencing of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) by siRNA inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells

Int J Oncol. 2009 May;34(5):1241-6.

Abstract

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a novel anti apoptotic protein which is highly expressed in several cancer cell types including prostate cancer. However, studies investigating the role of TCTP in prostate cancer are scarce. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effect of small interference RNA (siRNA) based knocking down of TCTP gene in prostate cancer cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated. Our results showed that TCTP is highly expressed in LNCaP cells compared to normal prostate epithelial cells. Transfection with TCTP siRNA specifically and drastically reduced the expression of both mRNA and protein levels of TCTP in LNCaP cells. The decreased expression of TCTP was associated with decreased viability of LNCaP cells. Further analysis of the transfected LNCaP cells showed that they undergo apoptosis via caspase-8 and caspase-3 dependent pathways. Results presented herein suggest a potential therapeutic application for prostate cancer by targeting TCTP gene using an siRNA approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism
  • Caspase 8 / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Gene Silencing / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology*
  • Tumor Protein, Translationally-Controlled 1

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • TPT1 protein, human
  • Tumor Protein, Translationally-Controlled 1
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspase 8