Effects of RNA interference against aggrecanase 1 gene on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured chondrocytes in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated aggrecanase-1 gene silencing on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured rat costochondral chondrocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat costochondral chondrocyte monolayers were obtained by microdissection and digestion. The growth and morphological changes of the chondrocytes were observed after RNAi of aggrecanase-1 gene. The mRNA expression of aggrecanase-1 was detected by RT-PCR method, and aggrecan content was determined by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The specific inhibition of aggrecanase-1 by RNAi produced no adverse effect on the morphology and growth of the chondrocytes. The mRNA of aggrecanase-1 decreased and aggrecan content increased significantly after transfection of the chondrocytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibition of aggrecanase-1 decreases aggrecan degradation in cultured rat chondrocytes. RNAi technique can be a useful means for studying extracellular matrix metabolism in the cartilage.</p>