A recombined protein (rSj16) derived from Schistosoma japonicum induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of murine myeloid leukemia cells

rSj16, a recombined protein from Schistosoma japonicum, has been identified as an anti-inflammatory molecule. In this study, we demonstrated that rSj16 strongly suppressed the growth of murine myeloid leukemia WEHI-3B JCS cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. rSj16 induced apoptosis by increasing the proportion of sub-G1 apoptotic cells as well as causing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The expressions of cyclin D1, D2, D3, and E, and Cdk 2, 4, and 6 genes in WEHI-3B JCS cells were significantly down-regulated at 24 h as measured by real-time PCR. Furthermore, apoptosis induced by rSj16 was confirmed by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole nuclear staining assay and annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. A reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential indicated an active involvement of mitochondria in the apoptosis process. rSj16 treatment induced an increase in the activity of caspase 3, 6, and 9, and expression of pro-apoptotic Bax. Meanwhile, the decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was observed after rSj16 treatment. Taken together, our results implied that rSj16 can inhibit proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of murine myeloid leukemia cells via activation of the caspase-mediated mechanism by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 family.