MCM7 Knockdown Inhibits Migration and Invasion While Induces Apoptosis of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Cells Through AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective To investigate the functional impact of minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) silencing on cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) cell apoptosis and proliferation via AKT signaling pathway.

Methods Lentivirus vector (LV)-shRNA-MCM7 was constructed, and A375 cells were assigned into control, empty vector, siRNA and siRNA negative control (NC) groups. The viability, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle entry of A375 cells in response to MCM7 knockdown were detected by MTT assay, scratch test and flow cytometry. qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to measure the expression of MCM7, AKT3, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3.

Results Compared with control, empty vector and siRNA NC groups, MCM7, AKT3, Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 expression were decreased in siRNA group after MCM7 silencing(P < 0.05), but Bax and caspase-3 expression were increased(P < 0.05), cell apoptosis and the number of cells at G₀/G₁ phase were increased, but cell migration and proliferation and the number of cells at S phase were decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The functional suppression of MCM7 could inactivate AKT signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the migration, proliferation and promoting apoptosis of CMM A375 cells.