[Screening of highly efficient small interfering RNAs against bone morphogenetic protein-7].

Objective To obtain highly efficient small interfering RNAs(si RNAs) against bone morphogenetic protein-7(BMP-7)for future functional analysis of BMP- 7 in bone homeostasis. Methods We designed 4 independent si RNA sequences against rat BMP- 7 and transfected them in rat umbilical vein endothelial cells. After 72 h, we examined BMP- 7 m RNA and protein level in the transfected cells using real- time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results All the 4 si RNAs effectively reduced BMP- 7 expression in rat umbilical vein endothelial cells, and among them BMP- 7- 3 si RNA showed the highest efficiency. Conclusion We have obtained an efficient si RNA to knockdown BMP-7 expression in vitro for further investigation of the role of BMP-7 in bone and cartilage formation.