The effect of a small interfering RNA targeting STAT3 gene on the biological function of human endometrial cancer cell line HEC-1B

Objective: To investigate the effect of a small interfering RNA (si-RNA) targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) on the biological function of human endometrial cancer cell line HEC-1B. Methods: The HEC-1B cells were transfected with chemically synthesized si-RNA targeting STAT3 (si-STAT3). Then the expression of STAT3 mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR, the proliferation ability was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, the migration and invasion were examined by Transwell chamber, and the expression levels of STAT3, phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3), and cyclin D2 (CCND2) and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were detected by Western blotting. Results: As compared with the blank control group (only liposome was added) or transfection with si-control group, the expression level of STAT3 mRNA in HEC-1B cells after transfection with si-STAT3 was down-regulated (P < 0.01), the proliferation ability was inhibited (P < 0.01), the percentage of the cells in G1-phase was increased and which in S1-phase was decreased (P < 0.01). The abilities of migration and invasion of HEC-1B cells after transfection with si-STAT3 were inhibited (P < 0.01), and the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, CCND2 and MMP-2 proteins were down-regulated (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Si-RNA targeting STAT3 gene can inhibit the expressions of STAT3 mRNA and protein in HEC-1B cells, and also inhibit the cell proliferation, the abilities of migration and invasion, and apoptosis. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2013.12.004