Aim
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is functionally dynamic and pleiotropic molecule, it has the potential to promote both cell survival and death by regulating multiple signaling pathways, including inflammation and apoptosis. This study aimed at investigating the role of silencing HMGB1 on tumor cells apoptosis and pro-inflammatory proteins expression in hepatocellular HepG2 cancer cells.
Methods
HepG2 cells was transfected with si-RNA HMGB1, and the effect on pro-apoptotic proteins expressions like Bax, Bcl2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines like, p65-NFκB, and Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) was assessed using western blot, and also cells apoptosis and proliferation was assessed using annexin V FITC and Calcien AM expression in flow cytometry and fluorescence.
Results
HMGB1 silencing was found significantly increase tumor cells viability with significant decrease of pro-apoptotic proteins, also antiapoptotic protein Bcl2 was significantly up-regulated, which suggests a possible role in restricting apoptosis. Furthermore, HMGB1 knocked down found to inhibit Stat3 phosphorylation and significantly affect NFkB p65/Cox2 expression which suggests a link between HMGB1 and Stat3 activation. Our results revealed that HMGB1 knocked down may suppress cells apoptosis and enhance HepG2 cells viability via NFkB/Cox2 and Stat3. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(6):570-576, 2018.