Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
In Vitro Model of Human Cutaneous Hypertrophic Scarring using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: May 1, 2020
Effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to type I collagen gene on hypertrophic scars in the transplanted nude
Julin Xie1, Shaohai Qi, Jishan Yuan
1Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. xiejl90@sina.com
Background:
Antisense nucleic acids are effective in inhibiting harmful or uncontrolled gene expression. We had previously proved that the antisense DNA to type I collagen could effectively inhibit the synthesis of collagen type I in cultured hypertrophic scar fibroblasts, suggesting a potential role in anti-scarring, but there are no published reports of its effect on scar in the transplanted nude mouse model.
Aims:
To investigate the effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) to type I collagen gene on hypertrophic scars in the transplanted nude mouse model and clarify the potential of ASODN for the treatment of scars.
Methods:
The nudemousemodel of hypertrophic scar was created and subjected to daily injections with ASODN and LipofectamineTM for 2 ,4 or 6 weeks.We then examined the scars for changes in histopathological characteristics. The effects of ASODNon type I collagen gene expression were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blots.
Results:
The ASODN could remarkably alleviate the scar in the nude mouse model and consistently inhibit type I collagen gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusion:
ASODN was effective in downregulating type I collagen gene expression and could prove to be useful in the treatment of scars.
Insights
Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) effectively reduced hypertrophic scars in a mouse model by inhibiting type I collagen gene expression. This suggests ASODN holds promise for scar treatment applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Antisense nucleic acids can inhibit uncontrolled gene expression.
- Antisense DNA to type I collagen inhibits collagen synthesis in fibroblasts.
- Previous studies showed potential for anti-scarring but lacked in vivo validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) targeting type I collagen on hypertrophic scars.
- Evaluate ASODN's potential for scar treatment using a transplanted nude mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Created a hypertrophic scar model in nude mice.
- Administered daily ASODN injections with LipofectamineTM for 2, 4, or 6 weeks.
- Assessed histopathological changes and quantified type I collagen gene expression via RT-PCR and Western blots.
Main Results:
- ASODN significantly alleviated scar formation in the mouse model.
- Consistently inhibited type I collagen gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions:
- ASODN demonstrated efficacy in downregulating type I collagen gene expression.
- ASODN shows potential as a therapeutic agent for scar treatment.
