Inhibitory effect of chemokine receptor-6-small interfering RNA on human HCCLM6 cell line subcutaneously implanted tumor in nude mice

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of chemokine receptor-6 (CCR6)-small interfering RNA (siRNA) gene silencing on human HCCLM6 cells subcutaneously implanted tumor in nude mice.Methods The siRNA targeting CCR6 gene was designed and stably-transfected HCCLM6 cells were subcutaneously implanted into nude mice to established a transplanted tumor model of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Eighteen mice were divided randomly into three groups (Mock group,CCR6-Scrambled group,CCR6-siRNA group) (n =6 each).Five weeks after implantation,all mice were sacrificed.Tumor growth was calculated by measuring the long/short diameters and the tumor growth curve was delineated.The tumors were weighed and the inhibition rate (IR) obtained.In addition,the metastatic nodules of the liver and lung were evaluated.Results The tumor volume was (843.92 ± 291.08),(809.08 ± 263.74),and (314.17 ±93.42) mm3 in Mock,CCR6-Scrambled and CCR6-siRNA groups respectively.The tumor growth was significantly inhibited in CCR6-siRNA group (P ＜ 0.05).The tumor weight was (1.55 ±0.38),(1.43±0.29),and (0.71 ±0.22) g in Mock,CCR6-Scrambled and CCR6-siRNA groups respectively.The tumor weight in CCR6-siRNA group was significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.05) and the corresponding IR was 52.35％.As compared with Mock and CCR6-Scrambled groups,the metastatic nodules of the liver and lung in CCR6-siRNA group were significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion CCR6-siRNA could effectively inhibit the growth and metastasis of subcutaneously implanted HCC. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular;  Chemokine receptor-6 ;  Small interfering RNA