Inhibition of phospholipase C gamma1 signaling pathway promotes apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of inhibiting phospholipase C gamma1 signaling pathway on the apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells. METHODS: SW620 cells were treated with U73122 in vitro to inhibit the phospholipase C gamma1 signalling pathway and examined under light microscope and transmission electron microscope for analyzing changes in apoptotic behavior of the cells. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell killing effects, and the percentage of apoptotic cells analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: After inhibition of the phospholipase C gamma1 signaling pathway by U73122, SW620 cells exhibited obvious apoptotic morphology, the viable cells decreased dramatically, and the percentage of apoptotic cells rose to above 50%. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of phospholipase C gamma1 signaling pathway can induce apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells.