Introduction: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a target of gene therapy for renal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to establish a human HGF gene expression system that is regulated by tetracycline (Tet) in normal rat kidney tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E cells). Materials and Methods: The plasmids pTet-on, pBI-L-HGF and pTK-Hyg were transfected sequentially into NRK52E cells using Lipofectamine 2000. The expression of HGF gene was measured, and the activity of expressed HGF was detected. Results: A clone of pBI-L-HGF/NRK52E cells showing strong reaction to doxycycline (Dox) was selected using a luciferase reporter assay system. The expression of both HGF mRNA and protein was significantly higher (both p < 0.01) in the Dox group than that in the control group. Furthermore, the bioactivity of expressed HGF was confirmed in the assay. Conclusions: A Tet-regulated human HGF gene expression system in NRK52E cells has been established. This cell line may prove useful for gene therapy against renal fibrosis.

Keywords:
Gene therapy, Human hepatocyte growth factor, Renal fibrosis, Tetracycline, Tet-on system
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© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
2010
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