Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of small-interfering RNA(siRNA) targeting c-Met,the receptor of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF),on the proliferation of human lens epithelial cells(LECs).Methods siRNA was transferred into LECs cultured in vitro by HiperFect Transfection Reagent.Real-Time PCR was applied to observe the expression of c-Met mRNA in LECs after gene transfer,and MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of LECs induced by HGF.Results The expression of c-Met mRNA in LECs was significantly decreased in the experimental group,compared to that in the controls(P<0.01).Proliferation of LECs induced by HGF was inhibited,compared with the single HGF stimulated group(P<0.01).Conclusion The RNA interference targeting c-Met can effectively inhibit the expression of c-Met mRNA,and the proliferation of LECs induced by HGF.

Key words: lens, epithelial cells, hepatocyte growth factor(HGF), c-Met, small-interfering RNA(siRNA)