[Effects of RNA interference against aggrecanase 1 gene on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured chondrocytes in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated aggrecanase-1 gene silencing on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured rat costochondral chondrocytes.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China. ehui4298@163.com
Zheng-hui
ZH
Wang
Xi-jing
XJ
He
Zhuang-qun
ZQ
Yang
Li
L
Wang
Li-xia
LX
Li
Jun-bo
JB
Tu
D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000071121:ADAMTS4 Protein; D053674:Aggrecans / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D011348:Procollagen N-Endopeptidase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D034622:RNA Interference; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014162:Transfection
D053674:Aggrecans; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051722:ADAM Proteins; D011348:Procollagen N-Endopeptidase; D000071121:ADAMTS4 Protein