INHIBITION OF PROLIFERATION OF HUMAN BREAST CANCER MCF-7 CELLS BY SMALL INTERFERENCE RNA AGAINST LRP16 GENE

Objective: Our previous studies have firstly demonstrated that 17β -E2 up-regulates LRP16 gene expression in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, and ectopic expression of the LRP16 gene promotes MCF-7 cells proliferation. Here, the effects of the LRP16 gene expression on growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and the mechanism were further studied by establishing two stably LRP16-inhibitory MCR-7 cell lines. Methods: Hairpin small interference RNA (siRNA) strategy, by which hairpin siRNA was released by U6 promoter and was mediated by pLPC-based retroviral vector, was adopted to knockdown endogenous LRP16 level in MCF-7 cells. And the hairpin siRNA against green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used as the negative control. The suppressant efficiency of the LRP16 gene expression was confirmed by Nothern blot. Cell proliferation assay and soft agar colony formation assay were used to determine the status of the cells proliferation. Cell cycle checkpoints including cyclin E and cyclin D1 were examined by Western blot. Results: The results from cell proliferation assays suggested that down-regulation of LRP16 gene expression is capable of inhibiting MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth and down-regulation of the LRP16 gene expression is able to inhibit anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer cells in soft agar. We also demonstrated that cyclin E and cyclin D1 proteins were much lower in the LRP16-inhibitory cells than in the control cells. Conclusion: These data suggest that LRP16 gene play an important role in MCF-7 cells proliferation by regulating the pathway of the G1/S transition and may function as an important modulator in regulating the process of tumorigenesis in human breast.

Effects of RNA interference targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 on immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Concanavalin A in mice

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is the most potent means of stimulating liver fibrogenesis by myofibroblast-like cells derived from hepatic stellate cells. Thus, TGF-beta 1 could be a target for treating hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of specific TGF-beta 1 small interference RNA (siRNA) on immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Concanavalin A (Con A) in mice. METHODS: Three short hairpin RNAs targeting different positions of TGF-beta 1 were designed and cloned to the plasmid pGenesil-1 to obtain three recombinant expression vectors (pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m2 and pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m3). Thirty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal, model, control, and three treatment groups. The immune hepatic fibrosis models were constructed by injecting Con A via the tail vein at 8 mg/kg per week for 6 weeks. At weeks 2, 4 and 6, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m2 or pGenesi1-TGF-beta 1-m3 was injected by a hydrodynamics-based transfection method via the tail vein at 0.8 ml/10 g within 24 hours after injection of Con A in each of the three treatment groups. The mice in the control group were injected with control plasmid pGenesil-HK at the same dose. All mice were sacrificed at week 7. The levels of hydroxyproline in liver tissue were determined by biochemistry. Liver histopathology was assessed by Van Gieson staining. The expression levels and localization of TGF-beta 1, Smad3, and Smad7 in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of TGF-beta 1, Smad3, Smad7 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) mRNAs in the liver were assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The levels of hydroxyproline in the liver tissue of the treatment groups were lower than those of the model group (P<0.01). Histopathologic assay showed that liver fibrogenesis was clearly improved in the treatment groups compared with the model group. The expression levels of TGF-beta 1 and Smad3 of liver tissue were also markedly lower in the treatment groups than in the model group (P<0.01), while the levels of Smad7 were higher in the treatment groups than in the model group (P<0.01). RT-PCR further showed that the expression of TGF-beta 1, Smad3 and alpha-SMA mRNA was significantly inhibited in the treatment groups compared with the model group, while the levels of Smad7 were increased. There was no difference in the above parameters among the three treatment groups or between the control and model groups (P>0.05), but the inhibitory effect of pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml was the highest among the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Specific siRNA targeting of TGF-beta 1 markedly inhibited the fibrogenesis of immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Con A in mice. The anti-fibrosis mechanisms of siRNAs may be associated with the down-regulation of TGF-beta 1, Smad3 and alpha-SMA expression and up-regulation of Smad7 expression in liver tissue, which resulted in suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2009; 8: 300-308)

RNA interference affects tumorigenicity and expression of insulin-like growth factor-1,insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor,and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 in rat C6 glioma cells

BACKGROUND： Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF-2） insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）, and IGF-1 receptor （IGF-1R） than normal brain tissue. These factors activate signal transduction systems of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akl, which promote glioma growth. OBJECTIVE： To utilize RNA interference （RNAi） technique to down-regulate FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R gene expression, and to investigate the effects of these genes on rat C6 glioma cells, as well as the feasibility of RNAi for treating glioma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This neurooncological, randomized, controlled, in vivo and in vitro experiment, which used RNAi methodology, was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences between August 2005 and February 2008. MATERIALS： Rat C6 cell lines were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cellular Biology Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Small interfering RNA （siRNA） was synthesized by Shanghai GenePharma. Anti-IGF-1, anti-IGF-1R, anti-FGF-2, anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG G1-HRP antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Four to six week-old BALB/c nude mice were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS： C6 glioma cells were transfected with siRNA, which was chemically synthesized in vitro to correspond to endogenous FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R genes. The inhibition ratio of targeting mRNA expression was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. C6 glioma cell proliferation was observed using a growth curve C6 glioma cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. C6 glioma cell growth regression was observed by transwell migration assay. In addition, nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models were used in this study. For studying the anti-tumor effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1R siRNA, two blank control groups, with six mice each, were set up： A （2.5 μg siRNA was injected one week after C6 cells were inoculated, Le., when tumor volume reached 8 mm × 8 mm） and B （siRNA was injected at the same time with C6 cells were inoculated. To study the effects of FGF-2 siRNA, the groups consisted of a blank control group, negative control group, 2.6 μg siRNA group, 4 μg siRNA group, and 5.3 μg siRNA group, with six mice each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： mRNA and protein inhibition ratio of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1 R; C6 glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle growth arrest; C6 glioma cell growth regression and subcutaneous tumorigenicity rates. RESULTS： All siRNA constructs proved to be effective. After 48 hours, transfection of 200 nmol/L siRNA resulted in a FGF-2 or IGF-1R gene inhibition ratio 〉 80% and an IGF-1 gene inhibition ratio of approximately 70%. Protein expression levels for FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R decreased in a dose-dependent manner following siRNA transfection, with an inhibition rate 〉 85%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. C6 glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis rates increased in proportion to siRNA. The apoptosis rate of C6 glioma cells induced by FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R siRNA was 39.96%, 15.07% and 22.47%, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. Transfection of 200 nmol/L IGF or IGF-1R siRNA for 48 hours suppressed C6 glioma cell migration. At 30 days after intratumoral injection of 2.6, 4, and 5.3 tJg FGF-2 siRNA, tumor growth regression rate of FGF-2 siRNA was 56%, 67%, and 86%, respectively. The tumor growth regression rate was 71.88% and 45.71%, respectively, when IGF-1 or IGF-1R siRNA was intratumorally injected 1 week after C6 glioma cell transplantation. When IGF-1 or IGF-1 R siRNA was intratumorally injected during C6 glioma cell transplantation, the tumor growth regression rate was 78.13% and 74.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION： siRNA transfection downregulated gene expression of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R In addition, siRNA treatment markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, growth, and migration, and concomitantly reduced subcutaneous tumorigenicity.

Induction of Silencing Effect of Swedish Mutant Amyloid Precursor Protein by RNA interference

Summary： Over-expression of APP and Swedish mutation could cause some familial early onset AD. In this study, a primary screening was conducted of effective small interference RNAs （siRNAs） targeted wild type APP （APPwt） and Swedish mutant APP （APPswe）. One siRNA targeting APPwt and the other siRNA targeting APPswe were designed, All these siRNAs were endogenously expressed by siRNAs expressing plasmids, COS-7 cells were transiently co-transfected with APP-GFP recombinant plasmids and siRNA expression vector, The silencing effect of each siRNA was quantitatively assessed by the level of expression of green fluorescent protein （GFP）. It was found that the siRNAs silenced APPwt and APPswe to different degrees, siRNA directed against APPswe was more effective in suppressing the expression of fusion gene of APPswe than that of APPwt. The silencing effect of siRNA directed against APPswe indicating allele-specific silencing property of the siRNAs. Therefore, siRNAs directed against APP play an important role both in the therapeutic study of Alzheimer disease and functional exploration ofAPP gene.

Down-Regulated Expression of RACK1 Gene by RNA Interference Enhances Drought Tolerance in Rice

The receptor for activated C-kinase 1 （RACK1） is a highly conserved scaffold protein with versatile functions, and plays important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development. Transgenic rice plants, in which the expression of RACK1 gene was inhibited by RNA interference （RNAi）, were studied to elucidate the possible functions of RACK1 in responses to drought stress in rice. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of RACK1 in transgenic rice plants was inhibited by more than 50%. The tolerance to drought stress of the transgenic rice plants was higher as compared with the non-transgenic rice plants. The peroxidation of membrane and the production of malondialdehyde were significantly lower and the superoxide dismutase activity in transgenic rice plants was significantly higher than those in non-trangenic rice plants It is suggested that RACK1 negatively regulated the redox system-related tolerance to drought stress of rice plants.

Preliminary experimental study of urethral reconstruction Nith tissue engineering and RNA interference techniques

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing urinary epithelial cells with oral keratinocytes and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） small interfering RNA （siRNA）-transfected fibroblasts seeded on bladder acellular matrix graft （BAMG） in order to reconstruct tissue-engineered urethra. Constructed siRNAs, which expressed plasmids targeting TGF-β1, were transfected into rabbit fibroblasts. The effective siRNA was screened out by RT-PCR and was transfected into rabbit fibroblasts again. Synthesis of type I collagen in culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay （ELISA）. Autologous oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts were seeded onto BAMGs to obtain a tissue-engineered mucosa. The tissue-engineered mucosa was assessed morphologically and with the help of scanning electron microscopy. The TGF-β1 siRNA decreased the expression of fibroblasts synthesis type I collagen. Oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts were seeded onto sterilized BAMG to obtain a tissue-engineered mucosa for urethral reconstruction. The compound graft was assessed using scanning electron microscope. Oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts had a good compatibility with BAMG. The downregulation of fibroblasts synthesis type I collagen expression by constructed siRNA interfering TGF-β1 provided a potential basis for genetic therapy of urethral scar. Oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts had good compatibility with BAMG and the compound graft could be a new choice for urethral reconstruction.

Inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in steroid-induced adipogenic differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of rabbit using small interference RNA

Background Steroids inhibit osteogenic differentiation and decrease bone formation while concomitantly inducing adipose deposition in osteocytes.This leads to the fatty degeneration and necrosis of bone cells commonly seen in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ （PPARγ） is an adipogenic transcription factor linked to the development of this disease and responsible for inducing adipogenesis over osteogenesis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs）.The aim of this study was to assess whether adipogenic differentiation could be suppressed,and thus osteogenic potential retained,by inhibiting PPARy expression in BMSCs.Methods Cells from the bone marrow of New Zealand rabbits were treated with 10-7 mol/L dexamethasone and infected with one of three small interference RNA （siRNA） adenovirus vectors （S1,S2,and S3） or non-targeting control siRNA （Con） and compared with dexamethasone-treated （model） and untreated （normal） cells.Cells were grown for 21 days and stained with Sudan Ⅲ for adipocyte formation.At various time points,cells were also assessed for changes in PPARγ,osteocalcin （OC）,Runx2,alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity,and triglyceride （TG） content.Results Dexamethasone-treated model and control groups showed a significant increase in fatty acid-positive staining,which was inhibited in cells treated with PPARγ siRNA-treated,similar to normal untreated cells.All three siRNA groups significantly inhibited PPARγ mRNA and protein,adipocyte number,and TG content compared with the dexamethasonetreated model and control groups,matching that seen in normal cells.OC and Runx2 mRNA and protein,as well as ALP activity,were significantly higher in cells treated with siRNA against PPARγ,similar to that seen in the normal cells.These osteogenic markers were significantly lower in the dexamethasone-treated cell cultures.Conclusions The siRNA adenovirus vector targeting PPARγ can efficiently inhibit steroid-induced adipogenic differentiation in rabbit BMSCs and retain their osteogenic differentiation potential.

Small interference RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor gene effectively attenuates retinal neovascularization in mice model

Background The mechanism of retinal neovascularization is not understood completely. Many growth factors are involved in the process of retinal neovascularization, such as vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and pigment epithelium-deprived factor （PEDF）, which are the representatives of angiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules respectively. Oxygen induced retinopathy （OIR） is a useful model to investigate retinal neovascularization. The present study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of small interference RNA （siRNA） targeting VEGF gene in attenuating oxygen induced retinopathy （OIR） by regulating VEGF to PEDF ratio （VEGF/PEDF）. Methods In vitro, cultured EOMA cells were transfected with VEGF-siRNA （psi-HITM/EGFPNEGF siRNA） and LipofectamineTM 2000 for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Expression of VEGF mRNA was evaluated by real time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and the level of VEGF protein was analyzed by Western blotting. In vivo, OIR model mice were established, the mice （C57BL/6J） received an intra-vitreal injection of μ1 of mixture of psi-HITM/EGFPNEGF siRNA and Lipofectamine 2000. Expressions of retinal VEGF and PEDF protein were measured by Western blotting, retinal neovascularization was observed by fluorescein angiography, and quantified. Results In vitro psi-HITM/EGFPNEGF siRNA treatment significantly reduced VEGF mRNA and protein expression. In vivo, with decreased VEGF and VEGF-PEDF ratio, significant attenuation of neovascular tufts, avascular regions, tortuous, and dilated blood vessels were observed in the interfered animals. Conclusions VEGF plays an important role in OIR, and the transfection of VEGF-siRNA can effectively downregulate VEGF expression in vivo, accompanied by the downregulation of VEGF-PEDF ratio, and simultaneous attenuation of retinal neovascularization was also observed. These findings suggest that VEGF/PEDF may serve as a potential target in the treatment of retinal neovascularization and RNA interference targeting VEGF expression, which represents a possible therapeutic strategy.

Silencing phospholipid scramblase 1 expression by RNA interference in colorectal cancer and metastatic liver cancer

BACKGROUND:Phospholipid scramblase 1(PLSCR1) not only participates in the transbilayer movement of phospholipids,but also plays a role in the pathogenesis and progression of cancers.The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of silencing PLSCR1 expression by RNA interference in colorectal cancer(CRC) and metastatic liver cancer.METHODS:The expression of PLSCR1 in CRC and metastatic liver cancer samples was assessed by immunohistochemistry.The cultured cells with the highest expression were selected for subsequent experiments.We designed three siRNA oligonucleotide segments targeted at PLSCR1.Successful transfection was confirmed.The biological behavior of the cells in proliferation,adhesion,migration and invasion was determined.RESULTS:PLSCR1 protein expression increased significantly in the majority of CRC and metastatic liver cancer samples compared with normal samples.Lovo cells had the highest expression of PLSCR1.The siRNA-390 oligonucleotide segment had the best silencing effect.After transfection,Lovo cell proliferation was significantly inhibited compared with the controls in the MTT assay.Laminin and fibronectin adhesion assays showed Lovo cell adhesion was also significantly inhibited.In the migration assay,the number of migrating cells in the PLSCR1 siRNA-390 group was 50±12,significantly lower than the number in the siRNA-N group(115±28) and in the control group(118±31).In an invasion test,the number of invading cells in the PLSCR1 siRNA-390 group was 60±18,significantly lower than that in the siRNA-N group(97±26) and the control group(103±24).CONCLUSIONS:PLSCR1 is overexpressed in CRC and metastatic liver cancer.Silencing of PLSCR1 by siRNA inhibits the proliferation,adhesion,migration and invasion of Lovo cells,which suggests that PLSCR1 contributes to the tumorigenesis and tumor progression of CRC.PLSCR1 may be a potential gene therapy target for CRC and associated metastatic liver cancer.

PPM1D Silencing by Lentiviral-mediated RNA Interference Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Human Glioma Cells

To construct a lentiviral shRNA vector targeting human protein phosphatase 1D magnesium-dependent（PPM1D） gene and detect its effectiveness of gene silencing in human gliomas,specific siRNA targets with short hairpin frame were designed and synthesized.DNA oligo was cloned into the pFU-GW-iRNA lentiviral expression vector,and then PCR and sequencing analyses were conducted to verify the constructs.After the verified plasmids were transfected into 293T cells,the lentivirus was produced and the titer of virus was determined.Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the PPM1D expression level in the infected glioma cells.PCR and Western blot analyses revealed the optimal interfering target,and the virus with a titer of 6×10^8 TU/mL was successfully packaged.The PPM1D expression in human glioma cells was knocked down at both mRNA and protein levels by virus infection.The expression of PPM1D mRNA and protein was decreased by 76.3% and 87.0% respectively as compared with control group.The multiple functions of human glioma cells after PPM1D RNA interference were detected by flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8（CCK-8）.Efficient down-regulation of PPM1D resulted in significantly increased cell apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation and invasion potential in U87-MG cells.We have successfully constructed the lentiviral shRNA expression vector capable of stable PPM1D gene silencing at both mRNA and protein levels in glioma cells.And our data gave evidence that the reduced cell growth observed after PPM1D silencing in glioma cells was at least partly due to increased apoptotic cell death.

RNA interference and its application in plants

RNA interference （RNAi）, a process that inhibits gene expression by the double-stranded RNA （dsRNA）, causes the degradation of target messenger RNA molecules. RNAi exists in almost all organisms. We review the recent history of RNAi studies, RNAi molecular mechanisms, characteristics and RNAi applications in higher plants. At the same time, the prospect of RNAi applications in functional genomics and genetic improvement of higher plants and possible future problems and possibilities are also discussed.

Influence of RNA interference on the mitochondrial subcellular localization of alpha-synuclein and on the formation of Lewy body-like inclusions in the cytoplasm of human embryonic kidney 293 cells induced by the overexpression of alphasynuclein

The specific and effective a-synuclein RNA interference （RNAi） plasmids, and the a-synuclein-pEGFP recombinant plasmids were co-transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 （HEK293） cells using the lipofectamine method. Using an inverted fluorescence microscope, a-synuclein proteins were observed to aggregate in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Wild-type a-synuclein proteins co-localized with mitochondria. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed round eosinophilic bodies （Lewy body-like inclusions） in the cytoplasm of some cells transfected with a-synuclein-pEGFP plasmid. However, the formation of Lewy body-like inclusions was not observed following transfection with the RNAi pSYN-1 plasmid. RNAi blocked Lewy body-like inclusions in the cytoplasm of HEK293 cells induced by wild-type a-synuclein overexpression, but RNAi did not affect the subcellular localization of wild-type a-synuclein in mitochondria.

LXRα gene downregulation by lentiviral-based RNA interference enhances liver function after fatty liver transplantation in rats

Steatotic liver grafts, although accepted, increase the risk of poor posttransplantation liver function. However, the growing demand for adequate donor organs has led to the increased use of so-called marginal grafts. Liver X receptor alpha （LXRα） is important in fatty acid metabolism and inter- related with the specific ischemia-reperfusion injury in fatty liver transplantation. This study aimed to investigate whether LXRa RNA interference （RNAi） could improve the organ func- tion of liver transplant recipients. METHODS： Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a high-fat diet and 56% alcohol. The livers of these animals had greater than 60% macrovesicular steatosis and were used as liver do- nors. The experimental donors were treated with 7×10^7 TU LXRα-RNAi-LV of a mixture injection and control donors with negative control-LV vector injection into the portal vein 72 hours before the operation. The effects of LXRa-RNAi-LV were assessed by serum aminotransferases, histology, immunostain- ing, and protein levels. The transcription of LXRα mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： Compared with controls, LXRa RNAi inhibited the expression of LXRα at the mRNA （0.53±0.03 vs 0.94±0.02, P〈0.05） and protein levels （0.51±0.08 vs 1.09±0.12, P〈0.05）. LXRa RNAi also decreased the expressions of sterol regula- tory element-binding protein lc （SREBP-Ic） and CD36. LXRa RNAi consequently reduced fatty acid accumulation in hepa- tocytes. Compared with control animals, LXRα RNAi-treated group had lower serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor- alpha levels and milder pathologic damages. TUNEL analysisrevealed a significant reduction of apoptosis in the livers of rats treated with LXRa-RNAi-LV, and overall survival as determined by the Kaplan-Meier method was improved among rats treated with LXRα-RNAi-LV （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： LXRa-RNAi-LV treatment significantly down- regulated LXRa expression and improve steatotic liver graft function and recipient survival after a fatty liver transplanta- tion in rats.

Effects of lentiviral RNA interference-mediated downregulation of integrin-linked kinase on biological behaviors of human lens epithelial cells

AIM：To investigate the effects of lentivirus（LV）mediated integrin-linked kinase（ILK）RNA interference（RNAi）on biological behaviors of human lens epithelial cells（LECs）.·METHODS：Human cataract LECs and immortalized human LEC line,human lens epithelial（HLE）B-3 cells were transfected by lentiviral vector expressing ILKspecific short hairpin RNA（sh RNA）and then stimulated by transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β）,the silencing of ILK gene and protein was identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）and Western blot methods;biological behaviors including cell cycle and apoptosis,cell morphology,α-smooth muscle actin（SMA）stress fiber formation and cell migration were examined.·RESULTS：Remarkable decreases of ILK protein expression were detected in LECs carrying lentiviral ILK-sh RNA vector;flow cytometry revealed arresting of cell cycle progression through the G1/S transition and higher apoptosis rate in ILK-RNAi-LV transfected cells.Lessα-SMA stress fiber formation and migration was observed in ILK-RNAi-LV transfected LECs.·CONCLUSION：The present study demonstrated that ILK was an important regulator for LECs proliferation and migration.LV mediated ILK RNAi is an effective way todecrease ILK-regulated cell growth by arresting cell cycle progression and increasing cell apoptosis,as well as,to prevent cell migration by inhibiting TGF-βinducedα-SMA stress fiber formation.Thus,LV mediated ILK RNAi might be useful to prevent posterior capsular opacification.

Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA interference of CENPK inhibits growth of colorectal cancer cells with overexpression of Cullin 4A

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide.The identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CRC is a key research imperative.Immunohistochemical analysis has revealed high expression of centromere protein K(CENPK)in CRC.However,the role of CENPK in the progression of CRC is not well characterized.AIM To evaluate the effects of knockdown of CENPK and overexpression of Cullin 4A(CUL4A)in RKO and HCT116 cells.METHODS Human colon cancer samples were collected and tested using a human gene expression chip.We identified CENPK as a potential oncogene for CRC based on bioinformatics analysis.In vitro experiments verified the function of this gene.We investigated the expression of CENPK in RKO and HCT116 cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR),western blot,and flow cytometry.The effect of short hairpin RNA(shRNA)virus-infected RKO cells on tumor growth was evaluated in vivo using quantitative analysis of fluorescence imaging.To evaluate the effects of knockdown of CENPK and overexpression of CUL4A in RKO and HCT116 cells,we performed a series of in vitro experiments,using qPCR,western blot,MTT assay,and flow cytometry.RESULTS We demonstrated overexpression of CENPK in human colon cancer samples.CENPK was an independent risk factor in patients with CRC.The downstream genes FBX32,CUL4A,and Yesassociated protein isoform 1 were examined to evaluate the regulatory action of CENPK in RKO cells.Significantly delayed xenograft tumor emergence,slower growth rate,and lower final tumor weight and volume were observed in the CENPK short hairpin RNA virus infected group compared with the CENPK negative control group.The CENPK gene interference inhibited the proliferation of RKO cells in vitro and in vivo.The lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference of CENPK inhibited the proliferation of RKO and HCT116 colon cancer cells,with overexpression of the CUL4A.CONCLUSION We indicated a potential role of CENPK in promoting tumor proliferation,and it may be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of USP-1 by RNA interference in the Asian gypsy moth Lymantria dispar

Ecdysteroids play an important role in regulating diverse physiological processes in arthropods,such as molting,metamorphosis,reproduction and diapause.Ecdysteroids mediate the response by binding to a heterodimeric complex of two nuclear receptors:the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle(USP).To investigate the role of USP in development of the Asian gypsy moth(Lymantria dispar),a USP cDNA was obtained from the transcriptome of L.dispar and verified by PCR.In-depth profiling of transcript levels of L.dispar USP-1(LdUSP-1)at different developmental stages and over time in thirdinstar larvae and different tissues isolated during the thirdinstar stage of L.dispar was then carried out.Transcript levels of LdUSP-1 were relatively high before 72 h in the third-instar larvae after ecdysis and in the adult male.The function of LdUSP-1 in molting was analyzed by knockdown of LdUSP-1 in third instar larvae using RNA interference.Silencing of LdUSP-1 significantly downregulated the transcript level of E75,an ecdysone-inducible gene,and of Sad,a Halloween gene.In addition,the duration of the third-instar stage was slightly shortened and larval mortality increased after the LdUSP-1 knockdown.

Effects of RNA Interference Combined with Ultrasonic Irradiation and SonoV ue Microbubbles on Expression of STAT3 Gene in Keratinocytes of Psoriatic Lesions

The most effective sequence of small interfering RNA（si RNA） silencing STAT3 of psoriatic keratinocytes（KCs） was screened out,and the effects of the most effective si RNA combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles on the expression of STAT3 of KCs and the dose-and time-response were investigated.Three chemically-synthetic si RNAs targeting STAT3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 were transfected into KCs,and the effects on STAT3 expression were detected,then the most effective si RNA was selected for the subsequent experiments.The negative controls of siR NA（si RNA-NC） labeled with Cy3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles were transfected into KCs,then the optimal parameters of ultrasonic irradiation were determined.The most effective si RNA carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation at the optimal parameters and Sono Vue microbubbles was transfected into KCs,and the dose-and time-response of RNA interference was determined.The effect of RNA interference by the most effective si RNA at the optimal time and dose carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles（LUS group） was compared with that only carried by Lipofectamine 3000（L group）.The results showed that si RNA-3 achieved the highest silencing efficacy.0.5 W/cm2 and 30 s were selected as the parameters of ultrasonic irradiation.The si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression at m RNA and protein levels in dose-and time-dependent manners determined at 100 nmol/L with maximum downregulation on m RNA at 48 h,and on protein at 72 h after transfection.The LUS group achieved the highest silencing efficacy.It was concluded that si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and SonoV ue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression in psoriatic KCs,and the optimized transfection condition and the sequence of si RNA-3 could serve for further research on gene therapy of psoriasis.

Effect of RNA Interference Hsp72 Gene Expression on Development of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos

The method of RNAi was used to inhibit the expression of induced heat shock protein 70 （Hsp72） in the 4-cell stage mouse embryos and the embryo development competence was analyzed to identify the functions of Hsp72 on embryonic heat resistance. The results indicated that the inhibition rates of siRNA1 for Hsp72 mRNA and Hsp72 protein were 87.1 and 78.5%, respectively. The blastocysts development rates were 41, 86, and 84% for the siRNA1 group, the LipofectamineTM 2 000 exposed group, and the 37℃ group, respectively, and the hatched blastocysts development rates for the above three groups were 35, 72, and 68%, respectively. The data suggest that the siRNAI has a significant inhibiting effect on Hsp72 gene, and Hsp72 gene silence reduces the blastocysts development rate and hatched blastocysts rate after heat shock during the development of mouse preimplantation embryos.

RNA interference blocking the apoptosis in HEK293 cells induced by overexpression of alpha-synuclein

BACKGROUND： Overexpression of α-synuclein can induce cell apoptosis. RNA interference （RNAi） may block specific gene function and cause gene silencing. OBJECTIVE： To construct a specific and effective RNAi plasmid for the α-synuclein gene and investigate if RNAi can block apoptosis in HEK293 cells, induced by overexpression of wild-type α-synuclein. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A contrast experiment based on genetically engineered cytobiology was performed at the State Key Lab of Medical Genetics of China, Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, between October 2004 and October 2008. MATERIALS： HEK293 cells and pBSHH1 plasmid were provided by the State Key Lab of Medical Genetics of China; OligDNA sequence by Sagon Bioengineering Company, Shanghai; Lipofectamine 2000 by Invitrogen, USA; α-synuclein monoclonal antibody, Hoechst 33258, and MTT by Sigma, USA; Horseradish peroxidase-coupled goat anti-rat IgG by KPL, USA; FACSan flow cytometry by BD, USA. METHODS： Four target sites were used to construct hairpin RNA pBSHH1 vectors - pSYNi-1, pSYNi-2, pSYNi-3 and pSYNi-4 - which were cloned in the pBSHH1 plasmid. HEK293 cells were transfected using Lipofectamine 2000. In addition, a non-transfect group and a negative plasmid transfect group were established. The cultured HEK293 cells were processed as follows： transfection of blank plasmid （blank control group）, transfection of α-synuclein-pEGFP and RNAi negative vector （negative control group）, and transfection of α-synuclein-pEGFP and pSYNi-1 （transfection group）. Cells in all groups were transfected with Lipofectamine 2000 for 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of α-synuclein mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope; cell viability was measured using MTT method; and cell apoptosis was determined with Annexin V-PE flow cytometry. RESULTS： α-synuclein mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased in the pSYNi-1 group when compared with the non-transfect and negative plasmid transfect groups （P 〈 0.05）. The expressions were partially decreased in the pSYNi-2 group, but there was no significant difference in the pSYNi-3 and pSYNi-4 groups. Hoechst staining indicated that cell nuclei were enlarged in the negative control group, coloring was not uniform, and chromatin was accumulated and appeared spot-like. The nucleus coloring was uniform in the transfection group compared to negative control group. Cell viability in the negative control group was significantly lower than blank control group with cell apoptosis being significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. In comparison with negative control group, cell viability was significantly increased in the transfection group and cell apoptosis was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： pSYNi-1 can inhibit α-synuclein gene expression and block apoptosis of HEK293 cells induced by overexpression of wild-type α-synuclein.

Influence of Silencing Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase with RNA Interference on Cardiomyocytes Apoptosis Induced By Doxorubicin

In order to investigate the influence of silencing soluble epoxide hydrolase（sEH） with double-stranded small interfering RNA（siRNA） on cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by doxorubicin（DOX）,two plasmids containing siRNA sequences specific to sEH were constructed and transfected into the primary cultured cardiomyocytes by using FuGENE HD transfection agents.The mRNA and protein expression levels of sEH were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively,and the plasmids that silenced sEH most significantly were selected,and renamed EH-R.The plasmids carrying a nonspecific siRNA coding sequence（PCN） served as the negative control.Cardiomyocytes were divided into four groups：control group,DOX group,PCN＋DOX group,and EH-R＋DOX group.Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was induced by DOX at a concentration of 1 μmol/L.Apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes was determined by flow cytometery.The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blotting.The results showed that the expression of sEH was down-regulated by EH-R plasmid.The expression levels of sEH mRNA and protein in the EH-R＋DOX group were significantly decreased as compared with other groups（P0.01）.As compared with the control group,the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes in three DOX-treated groups was obviously increased,the expression levels of Bax increased,and those of Bcl-2 decreased（P0.01）.However,the expression levels of Bax were decreased,those of Bcl-2 increased and the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes obvi-ously decreased in EH-R＋DOX group when compared with those in the DOX group and the PCN＋DOX group（P0.01 for each）.It was concluded that the recombinant plasmids could be successfully constructed,and transfected into the primary cultured cardiomyocytes.They could ameliorate the DOX-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis by selectively inhibiting the expression of sEH with RNAi and increasing the expression of Bcl-2.