Inhibition of RhoA expression reduces the secretion of extracellular matrix components in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide- and small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated inhibition of RhoA expression on the secretion of extracellular matrix components in hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) to seek new approaches for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

METHODS: An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide and a siRNA targeting the RhoA gene were designed and transfected into HSC-T6 cells. The expression of RhoA and type I collagen (Col I) mRNAs in HSC-T6 cells was detected by RT-PCR. The expression of RhoA protein in HSC-T6 cells was detected by Western blot. The contents of hyaluronic acid, laminin and PIIIP in cell supernatants were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS: After antisense oligodeoxynucleotide or siRNA transfection, the relative expression levels of RhoA mRNA were changed from 0.892 ± 0.051 and 0.937 ± 0.044 to 0.113 ± 0.024 and 0.212 ± 0.042, respectively; the expression of RhoA protein and the contents of extracellular matrix components decreased markedly; and the relative expression levels of Col I mRNA decreased from 0.709 ± 0.067 and 0.695 ± 0.087 to 0.436 ± 0.037 and 0.201 ± 0.044, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Specific blockade of RhoA expression decreases the secretion of extracellular matrix components in HSC-T6 cells. RhoA-specific siRNA is superior to antisense oligodeoxynucleotide in down-regulating RhoA expression and therefore represents a better strategy for gene therapy of liver fibrosis.