Abstract

In this study, microarray analyses were performed to determine the time course of gene expression profiles in SiHa cells after infection with an adenovirus-expressing p53 (Adp53). We then investigated the consequences of Adp53 gene transfer on the expression level of six genes associated with cell cycle control and on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in SiHa cells and compared these results with those from CaSki and HeLa cells. Gene expression profiling of the p53-targeted genes in SiHa cells revealed that p21, p53, and mdm2 protein expression was significantly upregulated at 24 and 48 h. Western blot results revealed that p21 and p53 expression levels had significantly increased after Adp53 infection. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 levels were decreased 48 h after treatment in SiHa and CaSki cells. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels were unchanged after Adp53 infection. Only SiHa cells exhibited significant cell death. Cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase was induced in the SiHa and HeLa cells but was not induced at the G2/M and S phases in the CaSki cells. These data support the notion that the understanding of p53-dependent apoptosis and cell growth arrest could be applicable to advanced strategies in the development of preferential tumor cell–specific delivery.