[Effects of RNA interference against aggrecanase 1 gene on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured chondrocytes in vitro].

Objective: To study the effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated aggrecanase-1 gene silencing on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured rat costochondral chondrocytes.
Methods: Rat costochondral chondrocyte monolayers were obtained by microdissection and digestion. The growth and morphological changes of the chondrocytes were observed after RNAi of aggrecanase-1 gene. The mRNA expression of aggrecanase-1 was detected by RT-PCR method, and aggrecan content was determined by Western blotting.
Results: The specific inhibition of aggrecanase-1 by RNAi produced no adverse effect on the morphology and growth of the chondrocytes. The mRNA of aggrecanase-1 decreased and aggrecan content increased significantly after transfection of the chondrocytes.
Conclusion: Inhibition of aggrecanase-1 decreases aggrecan degradation in cultured rat chondrocytes. RNAi technique can be a useful means for studying extracellular matrix metabolism in the cartilage.