Overexpression of CuZnSOD gene suppresses the growth of hepatocellular cancer cell line HepG2

Objective To explore the inhibiting effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the growth of hepatocellular cancer cell line HepG2. Methods By gene transfer technique, hepatocellular cancer cells (HepG2) were transfected with a retroviral vector containing human CuZnSOD cDNA. The elevated SOD gene expression of the transfected cells was compared with the parental and neo control cells. Results Compared to the control cells, cancer cells transfected with SOD gene showed an inhibited cell growth, a reduced number of cells in S phase and decreased clone forming ability in soft agar, as well as a smaller tumor size formed in nude mice. Conclusion The overexpression of CuZnSOD gene could, to certain extent, suppress the cell growth of hepatocellular cancer cell line HepG2.