Inhibition of cell proliferation and increased-apoptosis of AGS and SNU-5 cancer cells following small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1)

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is vital for development of normal tissue and wound healing; but it play an important role in development of some diseases such as different types of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR) are two important key factors in this process. Previous studies have shown that down-regulation of VEGFR1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and vascular permeability of endothelial cells. So, blocking VEGF and VEGFR1 have been considered as a target to prevent the growth of tumors. METHODS: In this study, VEGFR1 gene expression was suppressed in AGS and SNU5 cancer cells using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Down-regulation of VEGFR1 was assessed at mRNA and protein levels using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and western blot methods. Moreover, the viability and apoptosis of these cells were analyzed using MTT and flow cytometry techniques. RESULTS: VEGFR1 expression was significantly down-regulated both in mRNA and protein levels. MTT and flow cytometry results revealed that down-regulation of VEGFR1 inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis of these cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that VEGFR1 could play an important role in cell proliferation and tumor growth; and it could be considered as a valuable target for controlling tumor cells, and cancer therapies.