Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in corneal scar formation, mediated by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). This study was designed to investigate the effect of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 and 2 on TGF-β1-regulated CTGF gene expression and corneal scar formation in telomerase-immortalized human corneal stroma fibroblast (THSF) cells. The effects of CTGF, TGF-β1 and a JNK inhibitor (SP600125) on the proliferation of THSF cells were studied using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Both CTGF and TGF-β1 increased THSF cell proliferation and SP600125 inhibited this effect. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TGF-β1 stimulated the activation of JNK1/2 and induced cell migration, effects that were inhibited by SP600125. Analysis by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed that the mRNA levels of the genes for CTGF, fibronectin and collagen Iα1 in wound and corneal scar formation were reduced by SP600125 pre-treatment.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Participates in Scar Formation of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis
