Fig. 2. Transfection of C/EBPα-saRNA in HepG2 cells regulates hepatocyte function and affects cell proliferation.
(A) Methylation assay of the CpG islands at the promoter regions of C/EBPA and (B) DBP demonstrated reduction in methylation when compared to control. Data represents mean ± SD. (C) An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific for human albumin detected a significant increase of albumin secretion following transfection of 20 nM CEPBA-saRNA. Data represents mean ± SD. (D) Expression of the gene encoding ornithine cycle enzyme Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) increased in C/EBPα-saRNA transfected cells suggesting an improved ability of urea production. (E) Decreased expression of the gene encoding alphafetoprotein (AFP) suggested improved regulation of cell differentiation. Data represents mean ± SD. (F) A WST-1 cell proliferation assay on HepG2 cells over 96 hr transfected with increasing amounts of C/EBPα-saRNA. Results show a dose dependent reduction in cell proliferation. Data represents mean ± SD.