A genic and epigenetic combination therapy for liver cancer

Abstract

Results: Cell cycle analysis was achieved on HepG2 cells transfected with TRAIL-GFP and pEGFP-p53 recombinant protein. Results were analysed with Cell-Quest and ModIFit software. Data shown the re-expression of selected recombinant proteins in over than 30% cells post 24 h from transfection. The transfected cells were treated post 24 h with MS-275 for other 8 h and the cells were collected. The total protein extract was analysed by Western blot and the apoptosis pathways were evaluated via caspase activation proteins. In details we detect the relative bands for caspase 8 and caspase 9 full lengths and activated form in transfected cells and post MS-275 treatment. Conclusion: Results showed the possibility to restore the expression of pro-apoptotic gene TRAIL and p53 in a liver cancer model HepG2. Moreover, the treatment with epigenetic modulators MS-275 enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect mediated by the re-expression of those silenced genes