Evaluating the effect of PD-L1 gene silencing on growth, migration and apoptosis in LIVER CANCER cell line

Abstract

In the treatment of cancer, the ability of the immune checkpoints has been highly regarded. PD-L1 is a molecule with the ability to regulate the immune system, which, by being expressed on the surface of cancer cells, plays a role in reducing the function of immune cells. In this study, the aim is to suppress PD-L1 gene expression by using specific siRNA and evaluate the effect of this simultaneous suppression on the growth, migration and apoptosis of cancer cells. Materials and methods: For this purpose, the liver cell line was examined for PD-L1 expression and then it was transferred to the appropriate cell line by means of PD-L1 specific siRNA by electroporation method and the cytotoxic effect of this suppression was examined by MTT test. The amount of apoptosis and changes in cell division were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell line migration was investigated by wound healing assay and genes involved in apoptosis induction and cell migration were also investigated.

Results: Following the suppression of PD-L1 gene expression, the proliferation rate of cancer cells decreased. On the other hand, the apoptosis rate of transfected cells was also induced. On the other hand, this suppression led to a decrease in migration ability and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. BAX gene expression increased, BCL-2 gene decreased, Cas9 increased and C-Myc gene decreased.