Effect of RNA targeting ORC1 gene on phenotype of rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Objective To investigate the influence of RNA interference targeting ORC1 gene on the phenotype of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods VSMCs were transfected with siRNA targeting ORC1 gene by liposome. The expression of ORC1 protein was detected by Western blotting. The changes of phenotype-dependent markers was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results After transfected of siRNA targeting ORC1 genes, the expression of ORC1 was lower than that in the control groups (non-transfection and negative siRNA). ORC1 gene silencing increased the expression of VSMC contractile markers α-SM actin and SM-2, and decreased the expression of synthetic marker osteopontin. ORC1 gene silencing greatly affected VSMC differentiated morphology. Conclusion ORC1 gene silenced by RNA interference can mediate the transition of VSMCs from synthetic phenotype to contractile phenotype.