Induction of Apoptosis in Glioma Cells and Upregulation of Fas Expression Using the Human Interferon-β Gene

We investigated whether IFN-beta inhibits the growth of human malignant glioma and induces glioma cell apoptosis using the human IFN-beta gene transfected into glioma cells. A eukaryonic expression vector (pSV2IFN beta) for IFN-beta was transfected into the glioma cell line SHG44 using liposome transfection. Stable transfection and IFN-beta expression were confirmed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell apoptosis was also assessed by Hoechst staining and electron microscopy. In vivo experiments were used to establish a SHG44 glioma model in nude mice. Liposomes containing the human IFN-beta gene were injected into the SHG44 glioma of nude mice to observe glioma growth and calculate tumor size. Fas expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The IFN-beta gene was successfully transfected and expressed in the SHG44 glioma cells in vitro. A significant difference in the number of apoptotic cells was observed between transfected and non-transfected cells. Glioma growth in nude mice was inhibited in vivo, with significant induction of apoptosis. Fas expression was also elevated. The IFN-beta gene induces apoptosis in glioma cells, possibly through upregulation of Fas. The IFN-beta gene modulation in the Fas pathway and apoptosis in glioma cells may be important for the treatment of gliomas.