AEG1 induces COX-2 expression via activation of NF-κB and AP-1 in hepatoma HepG2 cells

• 作 者: Huan Deng Zhenzhen Zhou Wei Tu
• 机 构: Department of Gastroenterology
• 出 处: 中德临床肿瘤学杂志
• 发表日期: 2004年期
• 关键词: hepatocellular carcinoma astrocyte elevated gene 1(AEG1) COX-2 NF-κB AP-1

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG1) regulates COX-2 expression in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and related pathways involved in this process. Methods: Human hepatoma HepG2 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-AEG1 plasmid or psilencer2.0-AEG1-shRNA1 plasmid to up/down-regulate AEG1 expression, pcDNA3.1(-) and psilencer 2.0 empty vector plasmids were transfected respectively as control. Real-time RT-PCR was carried out to measure the expression levels of AEG1 and COX-2 mRNA. The expression levels of AEG1 and COX-2 protein were detected by Western blot. NF-κB signaling was blocked by PDTC, and AP-1 signaling was blocked by curcumin. Results: AEG1 mRNA and protein levels were increased after pcDNA3.1(-)-AEG1 transfection, and decreased after psilencer2.0-AEG1-shRNAs transfection. COX-2 mRNA and protein levels were increased in AEG1-overexpressing cells and decreased in AEG1-knockdown cells. Phosphorylations of p65 and c-jun were up-regulated in AEG1-overexpressing cells. Both PDTC and curcumin reduced COX-2 expression in HepG2 cells with AEG1 overexpression. Conclusion: AEG1- overexpressing and -knockdown HepG2 cells are established successfully. AEG1 could induce COX-2 expression though activating NF-κB and AP-1 in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.