VEGFR2 inhibition by RNA interference affects cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and response to radiation in Calu-1 cells

ABSTRACT

Objective. To investigate the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and radiation-induced apoptosis of the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line Calu-1. Methods. VEGFR2 gene was silenced by RNA interference in Calu-1 cells, and the expression of VEGFR2 was measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The cells were divided into control, VEGF-treated, VEGFR2 knockdown, and VEGFR2 knockdown and VEGF-treated groups. A CCK8 assay and Transwell assay were performed to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively, after VEGFR2 knockdown. Western blot assays were used to detect signaling proteins downstream of VEGFR2. Cells in the groups listed above were also subjected to radiation treatment, followed by apoptosis analysis. Results. (1) RNA interference of VEGFR2 in Calu-1 cells reduced VEGFR2 mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein levels (P < 0.01). (2) VEGFR2 knockdown inhibited proliferation (P < 0.05), migration (P < 0.05), and invasion (P < 0.05) in Calu-1 cells. (3) VEGFR2 knockdown blocked the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt, also known as PKB), extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) to various extent (P < 0.05), but did not change their total protein expression. (4) Knockdown of VEGFR2 suppressed HIF-1α protein synthesis (P < 0.05), and exacerbated apoptosis induced by radiation (P < 0.05). Conclusion. VEGFR2 gene knockdown significantly suppressed a number of cellular activities in Calu-1 cells and increased radiation-induced cell death (AU)

RESUMEN

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