Effect of RNA interference on hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and HBX gene expression.

Objective To investigate the effect of HBX gene expression and growth by RNA interference on hepatocellular carcinoma cell.Methods Stable clones were established from 21543 cell lines(MHCC-97H of expressing shRNA against HBX)along with independent control MHCC-97H cell line(overexpressing HBX gene).HBX gene expression was detected after RNA interference by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and cell cycle analyzed by flow cytometry.Results There was no difference in the shape;HBX mRNA level in 21543 cell reduced 91%;There was no difference in HBX mRNA level between HK3 and MHCC-97H cells;21543 cells grew obviously slower than MHCC-97H cells and HK3 cells.The growth rates of MHCC-97H and HK3 cells are similar;S phase entry was delayed upon HBX knockdown by shRNA in 21543 cells.Conclusion HBX expression was silenced in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by RNA interference and RNA interference targeting HBX can suppress the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell.