Polo-like kinase 1 as a new target for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment

Objectives: The study was devised to detect expression of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and assess its value as a new target for NHL treatment. Methods: The expression of PLK1 in NHL was detected by immunohistochemical techniques. Lymphoma cells were transfected with RNA interference plasmid targeted against PLK1 gene. Western blot was used to examine PLK1 expression in transfected cells. Proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were monitored by MTT and flow cytometry. Results: The expression rate of PLK1 in NHL was 63.6% (56/88). In B cell NHL and T cell NHL, PLK1 expression had relationships with systemic symptom, lactate dehydrogenase level and International Prognostic Index scores. PLK1 overexpression was associated with shortened event-free survival and was an independent prognostic factor for NHL. PLK1 depletion by RNA interference plasmid in lymphoma cell lines could lead to cell growth suppression, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Conclusions: PLK1 overexpression is an adverse predictive factor in NHL and PLK1 could be a new therapeutic target for NHL. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.