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Updated: May 5, 2026

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RNA Interference Targeting Connective Tissue Growth Factor Inhibits the Transforming Growth Factor- β 2 Induced

Jiaona Jing1, Ping Li, Tiejun Li

  • 1Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China ; Nanjing Governmental Hospital, 116 Chengxian Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210018, China.

Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

CTGF-small interfering RNA (siRNA) effectively reduced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and fibroblast proliferation. This offers a potential therapy for scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) can lead to scarring, impairing its efficacy.
  • Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a role in fibroblast proliferation and scarring.
  • Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) is implicated in fibrotic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of CTGF-small interfering RNA (siRNA) on TGF-β2-induced proliferation in human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTFs).
  • To evaluate the potential of CTGF-targeting siRNA as a therapeutic strategy for preventing filtration bleb scarring post-GFS.

Main Methods:

  • HTFs were transfected with CTGF-siRNAs to assess gene silencing efficacy via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
  • TGF-β2 was used to stimulate HTF proliferation, and siRNA efficacy was confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence.
  • Cell viability was measured using CCK-8 assay, and cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM).

Main Results:

  • TGF-β2 significantly increased CTGF expression and HTF proliferation.
  • CTGF-siRNA transfection effectively suppressed TGF-β2-induced CTGF upregulation and HTF proliferation.
  • CTGF-siRNA treatment shifted the cell cycle from S phase to G0/G1 phase, counteracting TGF-β2's effect.

Conclusions:

  • CTGF-targeting siRNA demonstrates potent suppression of CTGF expression and attenuation of HTF proliferation.
  • siRNA-mediated CTGF inhibition presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery.

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