Regulation of HIF-1α expression by small interfering RNA targeting HIF-1α in human vascular endothelial cells

Objective To investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on the expression of HIF-1α in human vascular endothelial cells. Methods HIF-1α siRNA recombinant plasmid was constructed. Human vascular endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into a normoxia group (20%) and a hypoxia group (1%). The hypoxia group was divided into a control group, vector group and HIF-1α group. Liposome mediated HIF-1α siRNA complex was transfected to the cells in the HIF-1α group. Liposome with vector plasmid complex was transfected to the cells in the vector group. No transfection was done in the control group. The expression of the HIF-1α protein was tested with immunocytochemical staining (SP method). The results were analyzed by a computer image-analysis system. Results There was a strong expression of HIF-1α protein in the control and vector groups compared to the normoxia group. The expression of HIF-1α protein in the HIF-1α group decreased significantly compared to the control group. Conclusion HIF-1α siRNA effectively inhibits the expression of HIF-1α and provides a new approach to gene therapy in retinal neovascularization.