Original Article
Effects of p16/pRb and JNK signaling pathways in hydroquinone-induced malignant transformation of TK6 cells
Chen Lin, Qiu Weifeng, Cui Zheming, Yang Hui, Tang Huanwen, Luo Hao
Published 2022-10-20
Cite as Chin Ind Hyg Occup Dis, 2022, 40(10): 721-726. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20210706-00328
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the cell cycle and apoptosis in hydroquinone (HQ) -induced malignant transformation of TK6 cells and its related regulatory mechanisms.
MethodsTK6 cells were exposed to 20 μmol/L HQ, 24 h/time, once a week, for 19 weeks as experimental group and TK6 cells treated with phosphate buffer (PBS) for 19 weeks was used as control group from March 2014. In regulatory mechanism research, the cells were divided into four groups: control group, experimental group, control inhibitor group and experimental inhibitor group (inhibitor groups were added 10 μmol/L P600125) . Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression of cell cycle-related proteins and JNK signaling pathway proteins were detected by Western blot.
ResultsFlow cytometry showed that compared with control group, the ratio of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the experimental group was significantly decreased (P=0.001) , and the ratio of cells in the S phase was significantly increased (P=0.002) . Western blotting demonstrated that the protein expressions of p-Rb (Ser780) , E2F1, Cyclin D1, p-p16 (Ser152) , JNK1, p-JNK1 (Thr183/Tyr185) , c-jun, p-c-jun (Ser63) (P=0.015, 0.021, 0.001, 0.001, 0.005, 0.001, 0.039, 0.003) were up-regulated, while the protein expressions of Rb (P=0.048) and p16 (P=0.002) were significantly down-regulated. After exposed to SP600125, compared with experimental group, there were no significant changes in cell cycle distribution (P=0.946) and apoptosis rate (P=0.923) in experimental inhibitor group. The expression of c-jun (P=0.040) protein was down-regulated, while the expression of Rb (P=0.027) protein was up-regulated in experimental inhibitor group.
ConclusionIn HQ-induced TK6 cells malignant transformation, the cell cycle is arrested in the S phase, and the p16/pRb signaling pathway is inhibited, while the JNK signaling pathway is activated. However, the activated JNK signaling pathway may not be involved in the regulation of cell cycle.
Key words:
Hydroquinones; Cell cycle; Apoptosis; Malignant transformation; JNK signaling pathway; p16/pRb Singnaling pathway
Contributor Information
Chen Lin
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
Qiu Weifeng
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
Cui Zheming
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
Yang Hui
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
Tang Huanwen
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
Luo Hao
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
