Objective To investigate the inhibition effect of silence of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) gene on proliferation and apoptosis of HT29 colon cancer cells and its possible mechanism. Methods HT29cells were divided into 3 groups: cells of interference group were transfected with recombinant lentivirus vector, cells of negative control group were transfected with negative recombinant lentivirus vector, and cells of blank control group were treated with PBS. The expression of ADAM17 mRNA was detected by real-time PCR, the expressions of ADAM17 protein, caspase3, protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), phospho-protein kinase B (P-Akt), phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (P-GSK3β) protein were detected by Western blot method, the cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, and the apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI cell death detection kit. Results Compared with the control group and the negative control group, the interference group was related to low expressions of ADAM17 mRNA and its protein, low optical density value at the same time point (24, 48, and 72 h), high apoptosis rate, high expression level of caspase3 protein, but low expression levels of P-Akt and P-GSK3β protein (P<0.05). Conclusion Silent ADAM17 gene could significantly induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of HT29 cells, which maybe via inhibiting Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.