RNA interference in human foreskin fibroblasts within the three-dimensional collagen matrix

The technique of RNA interference (RNAi) was trialed in primary human foreskin fibroblasts, both in monolayer culture and in the fibroblast-populated collagen matrix. Knockdown of lamin A/C, p53, and FAK was possible with low-confluency (< 50%) monolayer fibroblasts, a transfection vehicle concentration of 1%, and an siRNA concentration of 25-50 nM. Knockdown also was possible in the collagen matrix using similar reagent concentrations and a cellular density of one million fibroblasts per ml of matrix. Optimization of transfection conditions appeared to be important to increase knockdown efficiency. Consistent with prediction, knockdown of FAK induced apoptosis in the fibroblast-populated collagen matrix.