Abstract: Objective To investigate if demethylation drug 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) could inhibite the expression of DLK1 and cell proliferation,invasion in hepatoma cell line HepG2. Methods After different concentrations of 5-Aza-CdR was treated on HepG2 cells, RT-PCR、Western blot was used for detection of DLK1 mRNA and protein level change; MTT, Transwell and flow cytometry were used for detection of cell growth, cycle and invasiveness. Results After treatment with 5μmol/L 5-Aza-CdR, the expression of DLK1 mRNA and protein decreased,the cell growth rate slowed, the number of G1 phase cells decreased where the S phase cells increased, Transwell confirmed invasive ability decreased significantly ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion 5-Aza-CdR can effectively inhibit DLK1 gene expression, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth, proliferation, invasion of HepG2.

Key words: HepG2 5-Aza-CdR DLK1