Downregulation of ribonucleotide reductase subunits M2 induces apoptosis and G1 arrest of cervical cancer cells

Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) is associated with the biological behaviours of cancers, including apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, cell cycle and migration. Previous studies have suggested that the expression of RRM2 plays critical roles in tumorigenesis in several cancer types. However, the precise molecular mechanism remains unknown. We previously identified RRM2 as a novel downstream target that is activated by human papillomavirus E7, which activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signalling pathway, but further studies are warranted to establish RRM2 as a therapeutic target. The results of the present study indicate that RRM2 is associated with cervical cancer cell apoptosis and proliferation. The downregulation of RRM2 significantly increased apoptosis, promoted cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in vitro and inhibited tumour formation in nude mice transplant models in vivo. These results highlight the potential for inhibition of RRM2 expression as a promising therapeutic target for human cervical cancer treatment.