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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2003

Open Access 01-12-2003 | Research article

Knockdown of STAT3 expression by RNAi induces apoptosis in astrocytoma cells

Authors: Liza Konnikova, Maciej Kotecki, Mathew M Kruger, Brent H Cochran

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2003

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Abstract

Background

Astrocytomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system tumors. They are frequently associated with genetic mutations that deregulate cell cycle and render these tumors resistant to apoptosis. STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, participates in several human cancers by inducing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis and is frequently activated in astrocytomas.

Methods

RNA interference was used to knockdown STAT3 expression in human astrocytes and astrocytoma cell lines. The effect of STAT3 knockdown on apoptosis, cell proliferation, and gene expression was then assessed by standard methods.

Results

We have found that STAT3 is constitutively activated in several human astrocytoma cell lines. Knockdown of STAT3 expression by siRNA induces morphologic and biochemical changes consistent with apoptosis in several astrocytoma cell lines, but not in primary human astrocytes. Moreover, STAT3 is required for the expression of the antiapoptotic genes survivin and Bcl-xL in the A172 glioblastoma cell line.

Conclusion

These results show that STAT3 is required for the survival of some astrocytomas. These studies suggest STAT3 siRNA could be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of astrocytomas.
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Metadata
Title
Knockdown of STAT3 expression by RNAi induces apoptosis in astrocytoma cells
Authors
Liza Konnikova
Maciej Kotecki
Mathew M Kruger
Brent H Cochran
Publication date
01-12-2003
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2003
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-3-23

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