Aim: To study the induction of tumor cell apoptosis by RNA interference-mediated inhibition of the expression of telomerase in cancer cells.
Methods: HeLa cells were transfected with the successfully established siRNA(small interfering RNA) expression vectors targeting hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase). By electronic microscopy, Western blot and FCM (flow cytometry), the apoptosis of HeLa cells was tested.
Results: The established siRNA expression vectors could induce apoptosis of HeLa cells.
Conclusion: Transfection of siRNA expression vectors targeting hTERT can induce apoptosis of HeLa cells.