title: Smad7 siRNA inhibit expression of extracellular matrix in trabecular meshwork cells treated with TGF-β2.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposits lead to elevated resistance of aqueous humor outflow which play an important role in the development of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The TGF-β2 (transforming growth factor β)/Smad (signaling mathers against decapentaplegic) pathway is known to regulate the ECM deposits. In this study, we determined the effect of Smad7 siRNA transfection in inhibiting the expression of ECM components.
  
  
  METHODS
  Plasmid containing Smad7 siRNA was used to transfect cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTM). Protein expression of Smad7, fibronectin, and laminin was determined using western blot.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Downregulation of Smad7 interrupts the effects of TGF-β2 on the expression of several ECM components. Smad7 siRNA can partially decrease the expression of Smad7, fibronectin, and laminin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Smad7 plays an important role in regulating the ECM protein in the aqueous outflow pathway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Chen-Yuan C
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Zhongrui
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shiguang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007797:Laminin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D051906:Smad7 Protein / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014129:Trabecular Meshwork / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D014162:Transfection; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D007797:Laminin; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C497806:SMAD7 protein, human; D051906:Smad7 Protein; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta