Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The iNOS gene is associated with NO-mediated antitumor effects. The aims of this study are to construct a eukaryotic expression plasmid that carries the iNOS gene and to detect the expression levels and antitumor effects of the iNOS gene on A549 lung cancer cells. METHODS: A DNA fragment of the human iNOS coding sequence was amplified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The DNA fragment was subsequently cloned into the multiple cloning sites of the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX. The recombinant plasmid was confirmed using restriction enzyme treatment, PCR, and sequencing and was then transfected into A549 lung cancer cells. The expression of the iNOS gene in the A549 lung cancer cells after transfection was verified by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The effects of iNOS on cell apoptosis, proliferation, and migration were identified by staining with Hoechst 3235, an MTT assay, and a scratch assay, respectively. RESULTS: The results of the restriction enzyme digestion, PCR, and sequencing verified the successful construction of the eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX-iNOS. The iNOS gene expression level was increased in the transfected A549 cells. Further experiments also showed increased cell apoptosis among the A549 lung cancer cells transfected with pVAX-iNOS. Meanwhile, the proliferation and migration of A549 cells were significantly inhibited by the enhanced iNOS gene expression. CONCLUSION: The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pVAX-iNOS was successfully constructed and transfected into A549 cells. The enhanced iNOS gene expression significantly promoted cell apoptosis, whereas the proliferation and migration of A549 cells were inhibited. These findings contribute to the development of novel and effective gene therapies for lung cancer.