Effects of CTGF gene silencing on expression of type I collagen in a nude mouse model

Abstract

Objective To investigate the specific silencing of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a nude mouse keloid model,using RNA interference (RNAi) technique,and to provide the basis for gene therapy of keloid.Methods The nude mouse keloid model was established,and then transfected in vivo with well-amplifiating plasmid.The mRNA expression levels of CTGF mRNA and type Ⅰ collagen mRNA were detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The distribution and protein expression levels of CTGF and type Ⅰ collagen were determined quantitatively using immunohistochemistry.Results The expression of CTGF at mRNA and protein levels was decreased in the experiment group,and the expression of type Ⅰ collagen at mRNA and protein levels was also decreased after transfection,as compared with negative control group and blank group,with significant difference between groups (P＜0.05).Moreover,the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and CTGF was positively correlated (r=0.979).Conclusions Keloid type Ⅰ collagen can be decreased through in vivo inhibiting CTGF expression.The transfection of CTGF gene in vivo may have effects on type Ⅰ collagen generation,and thus inhibit the keloid growth. Key words: Keloid; RNA interfering; Connective tissue growth factor; Inside intervention; Animal Model