Presence of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells.

AIM

To study the expression of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells in order to analyze the possible relationship between cell growth regulation by alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) and Fas/Bcl-2 proteins.METHODS:BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells were maintained in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% new-born calf serum. Cells adhered to coverslips were used to detect Fas and Bcl-2 protein expression by the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunocytochemical assay.RESULTS: Immunocytochemical study showed that essentially all the BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells could express Fas and Bcl-2 proteins, although in various amount. No positive staining for Fas and Bcl-2 proteins was observed when cells were incubated with non-relevant sera, to establish the specificity.CONCLUSION:Fas apoptosis signals and Bcl-2 rescue/survival signals from apoptosis are expressed in BEL-7404 human hepatoma cells. The finding strongly implys that AFP-mediated cell apoptosis and growth enhancement are potentially associated with Fas and Bcl-2 proteins present in those cells.