Expression of FADD Driven by hTERT promoter induces apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells

Objective To construct the tumor cell-specific expression vector of FADD expression driven by the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene promoter and observe its effects on apoptosis in vitro. Methods hTERT gene promoter and FADD gene were used to construct the tumor cell-specific expression vector of FADD expression driven by hTERT promoter. The vector was transfected the tumor cells and normal cells using LipofectamineTM 2000, and apoptosis of the human colonic carcinoma cells was observed. Results FADD expression driven by the hTERT gene promoter exhibited apparent transcriptional activity in tumor cells but not in normal cells. There was significant difference in cell apoptosis rate among Colon320 cells, LoVo cells, SW480 cells and WI-38 cells at different transfection time points (P 0.05). Conclusion As hTERT gene promoter demonstrates tumor specificity, the expression vector of FADD expression driven by hTERT gene promoter may provide a new approach to tumor therapy. Key words: Colorectal carcinoma;  Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter;  Gene therapy; Fas