Effects of siRNA-mediated MAPK p42 silence on the proliferation and apoptosis of SMMC7721 cells

Objective: To explore the effects of siRNA-induced MAPK p42 silence on the proliferation and apoptosis of SMMC7721 cells. Methods: Two MAPK p42 siRNAs and one random control siRNA were synthesized by SilencerTM siRNA Construction Kit and transfected into SMMC7721 cells by LipofcctaminTM 2000. The expression of MAPK p42 in SMMC7721 cells was analyzed by Western blot, cell growth was tested with MTT, and apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: The expression of MAPK p42 was knocked down remarkably in MAPK p42 siRNA-treated cells in comparison with that of negative controls. Cell growth was inhibited, cell cycle was arrested at S phase, and cell apoptosis was induced by MAPK p42 siRNA in SMMC7721 cells. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that siRNA-mcdiated downregulation of MAPK p42 can be an important strategy for cancer therapy.