Apoptosis of keloid-derived fibroblasts induced by Fas gene transfection]

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Fas gene transfection on the apoptosis of keloid-derived fibroblasts. METHODS: The full-length cDNA of Fas was inserted into the multicloning site of the expression vector pcDNA-3.1 by molecular cloning technique, and the recombinant plasmid was transfected into the keloid-derived fibroblasts via lipofectin. Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb) was used to induce the apoptosis of the cells, which was evaluated with HE staining, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression plasmid pcDNA-3.1-Fas was constructed successfully. Fas mAb induced apoptosis of these fibroblasts transfected with Fas gene, with the typical features of fibroblast apoptosis observed in the treated cells (e.g. typical apoptotic cell nuclei, DNA ladder and high apoptosis rate as determined by flow cytometer), but not in the control cells. CONCLUSION: Blockage of upstream apoptosis pathway in keloid-derived fibroblasts is due to nonfunction of Fas protein, and mutation of Fas gene may be the pathogenesis of keloids.