Cell cycle G2 arrest, cell death and nuclear localization induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protein R (VPR) in cervical cancer cells
Yang, J.; Yi, Y.; Wang, J.
Zhonghua Shi Yan he Lin Chuang Bing du Xue Za Zhi 14(3): 223-226; 301
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1003-9279 PMID: 11498683 Document Number: 522391
To explore the possibility of using Vpr as a biological agent for anticancer therapy. A HIV-1 wild type Vpr and a mutant VprX gene were expressed and tested in a cervical cancer HeLa cell line. The ability of Vpr to induce cell cycle G2 arrest and cell death was measured by flow cytometric analysis. Nuclear localization of Vpr was visualized by fluorescent light emitted from the green fluorescent protein (GFP) -Vpr fusion protein. Consistent with early reports, Vpr, not VprX, induced G2 arrest. However, both Vpr and VprX were able to induce cell death in HeLa cells. We also demonstrated that the nuclear localization of Vpr could be determined by using a GFP-Vpr fusion protein. This is the first report documenting in mammalian cells that G2 arrest and cell death induced by Vpr are two independent functions. The unique biological properties of Vpr shown in cervical cancer cells suggest that Vpr may be a useful biological agent for anti -cancer therapy.