Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting TGF-beta1 mRNA suppress asbestos-induced expression of TGF-beta1 and CTGF in fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) afflicts millions of people worldwide. ILD can be caused by a number of agents, including inhaled asbestos, and may ultimately result in respiratory failure and death. Currently, there are no effective treatments for ILD. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is thought to play an important role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, and asbestos has been shown to induce TGF-beta1 expression in a murine model of ILD. To better define the role of TGF-beta1 in ILD, we developed several small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that target TGF-beta1 mRNA for degradation. To assess the efficacy of each siRNA in reducing asbestos-induced TGF-beta1 expression, Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts were transfected with TGF-beta1 siRNAs and then treated with chrysotile asbestos fo

SUBMITTER: Lai TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3060608 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature