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Updated: May 10, 2026
Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
Knockdown of the placental growth factor gene inhibits laser induced choroidal neovascularization in a murine model
Ramin Nourinia1, Zahra-Soheila Soheili, Hamid Ahmadieh
1Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of placental growth factor (PlGF) gene knockdown in a murine model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization.
Methods:
Choroidal neovascularization was induced in the left eyes of 11 mice by infrared laser. Small interfering RNA (siRNA, 20 picomoles/10 μl) corresponding to PlGF mRNA was administered intravitreally by Hamilton syringe in all subjects. One month later, fluorescein angiography and histolologic examination were performed.
Results:
No leakage was apparent in the 11 eyes treated with siRNA cognate to PlGF. The results of histological evaluation were consistent with angiographic findings showing absence of choroidal neovascularization.
Conclusion:
Knockdown of the PlGF gene can inhibit the growth of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice.
Insights
Placental growth factor (PlGF) gene knockdown effectively inhibited laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in a mouse model. This study demonstrates PlGF
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of vision loss.
- Placental growth factor (PlGF) plays a role in angiogenesis.
- Targeting PlGF may offer a therapeutic strategy for CNV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of placental growth factor (PlGF) gene knockdown in a murine model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
Main Methods:
- CNV was induced in mice using infrared laser photocoagulation.
- Intravitreal injection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PlGF mRNA was administered.
- Fluorescein angiography and histological examination were performed one month post-induction.
Main Results:
- Eyes treated with PlGF siRNA showed no apparent leakage on fluorescein angiography.
- Histological evaluation confirmed the absence of choroidal neovascularization in treated eyes.
- PlGF gene knockdown successfully inhibited CNV development.
Conclusions:
- Knockdown of the placental growth factor (PlGF) gene is a viable strategy to inhibit laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice.
- Targeting PlGF may represent a novel therapeutic approach for treating CNV.
