Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of activation of Notch1 signaling pathway by Notch intracellular domain (NICD)
plasmid transfection on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods The transfection
rates were observed under microscope with fluorescence stimulation, and mRNA expression levels of Hes1 were detected by
real-time PCR. Cell proliferation changes were evaluated by CCK-8 after NICD and control plasmid transfection in pancreatic
cancer cells. Caspase 3 activity was examined using a caspase 3 detection kit. Results The transfection rates of NICD plasmid
were up to 80% by fluorescence stimulation observation. Hes1 expression was significantly increased after NICD plasmid
transfection, suggesting the activation of Notch1 signaling pathway. NICD plasmid transfection significantly promoted cancer
cell proliferation compared to control plasmid transfeciton. The activities of caspase 3 were obviously decreased after NICD
plasmid transfection in 3 pancreatic cancer cell lines. Conclusions Activation of Notch1 signaling pathway by NICD plasmid
transfection can promote the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the apoptosis pathway.