The expression of PLK-1 in cervical carcinoma: a possible target for enhancing chemosensitivity

• Main Authors: Li Hua-Bin, Zhang Hong-Xiu, Xia Jia-Hong, Yang Yuan-Xian, Liu Yu, Zhang Yuan, Yu Chun-Zhao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-09-01
• Series: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
• Online Access: http://www.jeccr.com/content/28/1/130

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK-1) is reported to be upregulated in a variety of human tumors and is implicated in cell proliferation and survival. However, its importance in cervical carcinoma has not yet been fully elucidated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined PLK-1 expression in cervical carcinoma tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, we blocked PLK-1 expression in HeLa cells using specific siRNA and detected the cell cycle, cell proliferation and chemosensitivity using western blotting, MTT and flow cytometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We provide evidence that expression of PLK-1 exists in human cervical carcinoma tissues and establish an association with tumor size. Furthermore, we show that PLK-1 knockdown by transfection of siRNA induces accumulation of HeLa cells in the G2/M cell cycle phase and enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results indicate that PLK-1 production in HeLa cells might be critical in determining whether cells survive or undergo apoptosis. Therefore, targeting PLK-1 might be a promising strategy for enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapeutic reagents in cervical carcinoma.</p>