METHODS: HTCF were cultured in vitro and divided into blank control group, empty vector group and transfection group. In transfection group, interfering siRNA sequences were designed and synthesized based on the HSP47 gene sequences, vectors were constructed and introduced into HTCF. The empty vector group was introduced with empty vectors. The expressions of HSP47 mRNA and protein in cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of cells were detected by clone formation assay, flow cytometry, Transwell method and scratch test. The expressions of proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration proteins, and TGF-β1 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS: Compared with empty vector group, expression of HSP47 mRNA and protein, clone formation rate, cell healing rate, number of invasive cells, relative expression levels of Ki67, N-cadherin and TGF-β1 were significantly decreased in transfection group(P<0.05), relative expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased(P<0.05), but there was no difference in apoptosis rate, and relative expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: HSP47 siRNA can reduce proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of HTCF cells by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 protein, without significant effects on the apoptosis of HTCF cells.