ABSTRACT
was observed by patch clamp. Results Cx32 or Cx26 expression and GJ function were induced by doxycycline (Dox, the promotor for PBI plasmid) in transfected Hela cells. MiR-124 reduced the proliferation of Hela cells, dox incubation alone did not affect Hela cell growth, and also had no effect on anti-tumor effect of miR-124 when combined with miR-124 transfection. Compare with U 87shRNA-Cx43 , the Cx43 expression and GJ function significantly decreased in U87shRNA-Cx43. Similar to the effect on Hela cells, MiR-124 also reduced U87 cell growth. Reducing Cx43 expression did not influence U87 cell proliferation, but attenuated the growth-inhibition effect of miR-124 when combined with miR-124 transfection. Under the microscope, the transfer of fluorescence-labelled miR-124 from "donor" cell to adjacent " non-injection " cell was observed. Conclusions The role of GJ on anti-tumor effect of miR-124 possesses connexin heterogeneity. Compare with Cx26 or Cx32, GJ composed of Cx43 has more obvious effect, which may be related to the maximum permeability of junction channel to miR-124.