Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor 4 (REST4) gene on the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of glioma U87 cells and its possible mechanism. Methods REST4-siRNA was transfected into glioma U87 cells (si-REST4 group), while siRNA negative control group (si-NC group) and Control group were set up. The expression of REST4 was detected by the real-time quantitative PCR, the ability of cell proliferation was detected by MTT method, the cell apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and the ability of cell migration was detected by scratch test. The expressions of REST4, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR proteins in U87 cells were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the Control group and si-NC group, the REST4 mRNA and protein levels of U87 cells in the si-REST4 group were down-regulated (P<0.05), the ability of cell proliferation decreased (P<0.05), the proportion of cell apoptosis increased(P<0.05), and the cell migration decreased (P<0.05). Western blot showed that compared with the Control group and the si-NC group, the protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR of U87 cells in the si-REST4 group decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions REST4 may inhibit the proliferation and migration of glioma U87 cells and promote their apoptosis through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway.

Key words: Glioma, REST4, Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway