RESUMEN
Objective: To construct the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) expression plasmid (pEGFC1-IGFBP7) and to investigate the effect of IGFBP7 on the apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 (human malignant melanoma cell line) cells. Methods: The pEGFC1-IGFBP7 plasmid was constructed; pEGFC1-IGFBP7 and empty plasmids were transfected into SK-MEL-28 cells separately. The transfection efficiency was observed under fluorescence microscope. Apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 cells after transfection was detected by Annexin-FITC/PI staining. Results: The pEGFC1-IGFBP7 plasmid was successfully constructed and was effectively transfected into SK-MEL-28 cells by Effectene reagent, with the transfection rate being 61%. The results of flow cytometry showed that pEGFC1-IGFBP7 significantly induced apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 cells, with the apoptotic rates of pEGFC1-IGFBP7, empty vector, and non-transfected plasmid groups being (28.4±2.57)%, (5.8±0.44)%, and (6.4±0.71)% 24 h after transfection, respectively (F=406.138, P<0.05). Conclusion: pEGFC1-IGFBP7 can effectively induce apoptosis of malignant melanoma SK-MEL-28 cells, which provides an experimental basis for IGFBP7 gene-based therapy of malignant melanoma.