The target protein for Xklp2 (TPX2), a microtubule-associated protein, can be used to evaluate more precisely the proliferative behavior of tumor cells. The abnormal expression of TPX2 in various types of malignant tumors has been reported, but less is known for cervical cancer. We studied the relationship between TPX2 expression and the biological behavior of cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of TPX2 in cervical cancer tissues. The inhibitory effect of TPX2-siRNA on the growth of HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells was studied in vitro. TPX2 expression was found to be significantly higher in cervical carcinoma compared to normal cervical tissues and CIN. The expression of TPX2 in cervical cancer was correlated with histological grading, FIGO staging and lymph node metastasis. TPX2 RNAi in HeLa cervical cancer cells caused S-phase cell cycle arrest, induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, TPX2 shows potential to be used as a new marker for cervical cancer diagnosis and therapy.

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