ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of fat-1 gene encoding n-3 fatty acid desaturase on the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cell HT-29. Methods fat-1 gene was transfected into HT-29 cells by liposomal reagent. The expression of fat-1 gene was detected by fluorescent micrographs and RT-PCR. Gas chromatography, MTT and flow cytometry were used to examine the change in n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio, proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively. Results After transfection of fat-1 gene, n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio decreased significantly. Apoptosis of HT-29 cells was induced and cell cycle was changed. Apoptosis mainly appeared in the synthesis phase. Conclusion fat-1 gene encoding n-3 fatty acid desaturase can significantly decrease n-6/n-3 ratio. Consequently, apoptosis was triggered and cell cycle was changed. Tranfection of fat-1 gene into HT-29 cells may be a new potential treatment for colon cancer.