Objective    To observe the effects of enhanced genes associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mor-tality 19 (GRIM19) expression on biological features of human malignant glioma cells in vitro.     Methods    Human glioma cell line CHG-5 were infected with Ad-GRIM19 and Ad-GFP (control). The infected and control glioma cells were analyzed for their morphological alterations and cell growth features by using WST-8

soft agar cloning-formation and other methods. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of STAT3 and PCNA.     Results    Compared with control cells

CHG-5 cells transfected with Ad-GRIM19 demonstrated profound morphological alterations and marked cellular atypia. Cell proliferation rate and their tumorigenecity in vitro were also decreased. The mRNA and protein expressions of STAT3 and PCNA were downregulated.     Conclusion    Overexpression of GRIM19 gene has affected CHG-5 glioma cell morphology and decreased their growth and tumorigenecity

suggesting GRIM19 gene might play a key role in determining differentiation and certain malignant biological features of glioma cells.