Conclusions
Lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of PAX6 in human retinoblastoma cells was associated with increased cell proliferation parallel to a reduced caspase-3-dependent apoptotic rate and a change in the p53 regulated cell cycle. PAX6 may be further explored for the diagnosis of and therapy for retinoblastomas.
Purpose
The cancer-associated gene PAX6 is a key regulator in the embryological development of the retina. The authors assessed whether PAX6 was associated with the development of retinoblastoma.
Results
Three days after transfection, both cell lines showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) overexpression of PAX6, parallel to significantly (P < 0.001) increased cell proliferation. At 7 days after transfection, cell cycle analysis showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction of G0/G1 arrest and a significant induction of G2/M arrest (P < 0.01). Parallel to a reduction in caspase-3 levels, the apoptosis rate significantly (P < 0.001) decreased. Levels of p53, p21, and p27 were reduced, and the levels of cdc2 were increased. Conclusions: Lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of PAX6 in human retinoblastoma cells was associated with increased cell proliferation parallel to a reduced caspase-3-dependent apoptotic rate and a change in the p53 regulated cell cycle. PAX6 may be further explored for the diagnosis of and therapy for retinoblastomas.