Abstract: Background and purpose: The expression of Rab11 gene was increased in cervical cancer cell and may be involved in the cellular malignant transformation. This study used the sequence-specific siRNA knocking down the expression of Rab11 gene and aimed to investigate its effect on invasion and migration of cervical cancer cell lines HeLa/SiHa and its mechanism. Methods: HeLa/SiHa cells were divided into 2 groups: non-specific siRNA group transfected with unrelated siRNA (Rab11-NC) and Rab11 siRNA group transfected with Rab11 siRNA (Rab11siRNA). Western blot was used to examine the Rab11 protein expression. Cell migration and invasion were detected by cell scratch and Transwell invasion assay. Western blot was used to further investigate the expression of Rac1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 which were critical for regulating cell invasion. Moreover, immunofluorescence was used to identify intracellular location of Rac1 in HeLa/SiHa cells. Results: The Rab11 siRNA inhibited expression of Rab11 gene (P<0.01). The invasion and migration capacities of HeLa/SiHa cells were markedly inhibited in Rab11siRNA group (P<0.05). The expression of Rac1 significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of MMP2 and MMP9 decreased (P<0.05) as well. The recruitment of Rac1 to protruding edge significantly decreased following down-regulation of Rab11. Conclusion: Down-regulated Rab11 expression could inhibit the expression of Rac1, MMP2 and MMP9, and alter the location of Rac1, leading to suppression of HeLa/SiHa cells migration and invasion.

Key words: Rab11, Rac1, Matrix metalloproteinase, Cervical cancer, Cell invasion, Cell migration