Reduced expression of cenp-e in human hepatocellular carcinoma

• Main Authors: Yan Chen, Cai Yan, Si Qiong, Li Suyan, Liu Bin, Wu Xia, Cao Ju, Ling Kang, Liu Zijie, Zhang Yan, Weng Yaguang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-12-01
• Series: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
• Online Access: http://www.jeccr.com/content/28/1/156

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>CENP-E, one of spindle checkpoint proteins, plays a crucial role in the function of spindle checkpoint. Once CENP-E expression was interrupted, the chromosomes can not separate procedurally, and may result in aneuploidy which is a hallmark of most solid cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigate the expression of CENP-E in human hepatocellular carcinoma,. and analyze the effect of low CENP-E expression on chromosome separation in normal liver cell line (LO2).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We determined its levels in HCC and para-cancerous tissues, human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line (HepG2) and LO2 cell line using real time quantitative PCR (QPCR) and Western blot. Further to know whether reduction in CENP-E expression impairs chromosomes separation in LO2 cells. we knocked down CENP-E using shRNA expressing vector and then count the aneuploid in LO2 cells using chromosomal counts assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that both CENP-E mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in HCC tissues and HepG2 cells compared with para-cancerous tissues and LO2 cells, respectively. A significantly-increased proportion of aneuploid in these down-knocked LO2 cells compared with those treated with control shRNA vector.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Together with other results, these results reveal that CENP-E expression was reduced in human HCC tissue, and low CENP-E expression result in aneuploidy in LO2 cells.</p>