RESUMO
We used retroviral vector pLXSN to construct recombinant retroviral vectors with the human apoptosis gene, interleukin-l? converting enzyme (ICE). The vectors were introduced into packaging cell line PA317 by electroporation method. The G418 resistant colonies were selected, and the supematants of the colonies were used to infect the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC7721. G418 resistant colonies of SMMC7721 were named SMMC7721-MCE and SMMC7721-neo. The results of RT-PCR analysis showed that exogenous hICE gene had successfully integrated into the genome of SMMC7721-hICE cells. The proliferation rate and tumorigenicity of cells in nude mice were examined. Our data showed that the growth rate and the tumorigenicity of SMMC7721-hICE cells in nude mice were considerablely decreased comparing with parent SMMC7721 and SMMC7721-neo. These results suggested that the retroviral vector expressing hICE gene was successfully constructed and could suppress the growth ability and tumorigenicity of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which provided a basis for further investigation of hICE gene therapy.