[Induction of apoptosis of HepG2 cells by NDRG2].

Aim: To explore the induction of HepG2 cells by NDRG2 gene.

Methods: Human NDRG2 gene was obtained by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis proved that sequence of NDRG2 gene was correct. Then the gene was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP and transfected into NDRG2 gene-negative HepG2 cells. The changes of cell morphology and structure were observed under light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscope, respectively. The variation of cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry.

Results: The NDRG2 gene had been obtained and its expression vector was constructed successfully. The NDRG2 gene-transfected HepG2 cells were shown a bad condition, structure damage, and a great number of died cells. The expression of target gene in cytoplasm of HepG2 cells was seen under fluorescence microscope. Flow cytometry analysis showed G1 phase arrest and apoptosis peak appeared.The typical manifestation of cell apoptosis could be observed under transmission electron microscope.

Conclusion: NDRG2 gene can arrest HepG2 cell proliferation and induce their apoptosis.