SCNN1B regulates the proliferation, migration, and collagen deposition of human lung fibroblasts

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of amiloride-sensitive sodium channel protein 1B (SCNN1B) on the proliferation and migration of human lung fibroblasts and the possible mechanism that promote the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cultivate human embryonic lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) in vitro and screen out the most effective small interfering RNA to silence the expression of SCNN1B. Then, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), CCK-8, Transwell, and Western blot detections were performed separately. The results of qRT-PCR showed that all three SCNN1B siRNAs were able to significantly decrease the mRNA expression level of SCNN1B compared with the si-NC group (P < 0.01), with the most significant decrease in the SCNN1B siRNA-83 group. Additionally, compared with the si-NC group, the proliferation ability of MRC-5 cells in the si-SCNN1B group was significantly enhanced, and the migration rate was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Western blot results showed that low expression of SCNN1B significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of collagen deposition related proteins Collagen I and Heat shock proteins 47 (P < 0.01). In summary, SCNN1B can inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell migration and extracellular matrix deposition of human lung fibroblasts, and may be involved in the occurrence and development of ARDS.