Objective: To observe the effect of livin gene suppression by genistein on apoptosis, cell cycle and proliferation of malignant melanoma LiBr cells.
Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of livin mRNA in LiBr cells 48 h after treatment with 40 µmol/L genistein. Flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was employed to detect cell apoptosis, and the caspase-3 protein expression in the cells following genistein treatment was assayed using Western blotting. The changes in the cell cycle and proliferation of the cells after genistein treatment were examined with flow cytometry with PI staining and MTT colorimetric assay, respectively.
Results: Genistein can suppress the expression of Livin Gene (87.94% with 40 µmol/L genistein) and induce the apoptosis of LiBr effectively, both in the early and late phases (27.87∓5.38% and 11.87∓3.86% respectively). LiBr cells in phase G(0)/G(1) increases notably(G(0)/G(1)=72.11∓5.89%,S=14.53∓3.47%,G(2)/M=12.36∓2.64%). Genistein significantly reduced caspase-3 protein expression and inhibit cell proliferation.
Conclusion: Genistein can suppress Livin Gene expression, induce LiBr cell apoptosis, hinder cell generation cycle, restrain cell proliferation.