[Effect of p53 gene on telomerase activity and hTERT gene expression in HL-60 cells].

To investigate the change of telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression in HL-60 cells transfected with wild type p53 gene, wild type p53 gene was introduced into HL-60 cells by Lipofectin transfection. Apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL assay. Telomerase activity and the level of hTERT mRNA were detected by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP)-ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that the apoptotic rate of HL-60-pN53cG cells was 8.3% and 21.0% respectively after cultured at 32.5 degrees C for 24 h and 72 h. The level of hTERT mRNA was decreased to 68.4% and 55.8% and telomerase activity to 27.3% and 8.9% of control value in HL-60-pN53cG cells at the same points. In conclusions, hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity were down-regulated in HL-60 cells transfected with p53 gene. This may be one of mechanisms of apoptosis induced by wild type p53 gene.