The function of ERK on Fas-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway of human gastric carcinoma cells / 中华肿瘤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the expression and functions of ERK (extracellular regulated kinase) in Fas-mediated apoptosis in gastric carcinoma cell line SGC-7901 and to elucidate the potential significance of this signaling pathway in tumor progression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Radioisotope labeling and Western blotting with special anti-ERK antibody were used to check ERK activity in SGC-7901 cell line after anti-Fas antibody treatment. Apoptosis induced by several treatment factors was evaluated by FACS can flow cytometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ERK activity increased and reached the peak at 30 min after treatment with anti-Fas antibody and decreased in PD98059 pretreated group. The number of sub-G(1) cell was 30.5% +/- 2.6% in PD98059 pretreated group, which was higher than anti-Fas treatment group and control group, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901, Fas-induced ERK activation may suppress Fas-mediated apoptosis. Inhibition of ERK may enhance the sensitivity of SGC-7901 cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Fas-induced ERK activation may confer gastric cancer cells ability to escape the immune surveillance.</p>