ObjectiveTo explore the ability of  vpr gene in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV1 vpr) to induce cell G2 arrest and apoptosis, and the influence when it mutated, the relationship between vprinduced G2 arrest and apoptosis. MethodsFourteen mutated vpr fragments were selected from  patients with HIV. Both eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+) and PCR products were purified, doublecut by HindⅢ and BamH Ⅰ, and the cut products were legated and  transformed into competent cells JM109. The 14 reconstructed plasmids were transfected into Hela cells.  Cells with pcDNA vprwt, pcDNA vprFs and pcDNA3.1  blank cells, and without pcDNA3.1 cell were established.  vpr mRNA expression was detected by RTPCR. The DNA content and percentage of apoptosis were monitored by flow cytometry. ResultsTransfected with 14 mutated HIV1 vpr fragments, cells displayed different G2 percentage and apoptosis ratio. HIV1 vpr induced cell cycle G2 arrest and apoptosis, whereas Vpr Fs with a Cterminal truncation, vector pcDNA3.1(+) and the blank cells can not. The  G2 percentage and apoptosis ratio reduced when transfected with Vpr expressing mutation of 70V, 85P, 86G, 94G compared with the Vpr wild type. The higher G2 percentage, the higher ratio of apoptosis was induced. ConclusionHIV1 vpr  can induce cell cycle G2 arrest and apoptosis, whereas Vpr Fs with a Cterminal truncation can not. The mutated sites of 70V, 85P, 86G, 94G may reduce the ability of Vpr to induce cell cycle G2 arrest and apoptosis. The extent of Vprinduced G2 arrest correlated with the levels of apoptosis, This study can  make a good foundation for further research on gene therapy.