Abstract: Objective To research effects on caspase-3 expression of osteosarcoma cell line MG63 induced by pSilencer-VEGF-siRNA transfection. Methods The cell line MG63 was cultured and human-specific pSilencer-VEGF -siRNA was constructed. The experiment was divided into pSilencer-VEGF-siRNA transfection and vector group. Apoptosis and cell cycle of MG63 was detected and analysesed with conjugated annexin-V (Annexin-V-FITC) antibody and propidium iodide (PI) 48~72 hours after transfection with flow cytometry, and the expression of caspase-3 was detected through Western blotting. Results The early apoptosis of MG63 could be achieved after transfection and with a blockage of G1 phase and cell accumulation occurring. Caspase-3 expression was up-regulated apparently in the transfection group compared with vector group. Conclusion Early apoptosis of MG63 could be induced by pSilencer-VEGF-siRNA, and up-regulation of caspase-3 expression could be achieved.

Key words: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Gene silencing, Osteosarcoma, Apoptosis, MG-63, Caspase-3