HSP47 Deletion Inhibits TGF-β1 Stimulation on Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis of Human Tenon Fibroblasts

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that is required for molecular maturation of various types of collagens. Many studies have shown a close association between increased expression of HSP47 and excessive accumulation of collagens in scar tissues of various human fibrotic diseases. However, the role of HSP47 in formation of scar after glaucoma filtration surgery is still unclear. In this study, we deleted the expression of HSP47 in human tent on fibroblasts (HTFs) by virus infection, and then the proliferation and collagen synthesis were compared between HSP47 deletion cells and control upon TGF-β1 stimulation. Our data showed that HSP47 deletion could significantly inhibit the proliferation and collagen synthesis of HTFs upon TGF-β1 stimulation, HSP47 gene suppression might be a novel method to against the formation of scar after glaucoma surgery.