Figure 5. RelB and NIK down-regulation by siRNA reduces TWEAK-induced CCL21 expression in tubular cells.

A) RelB and NIK protein levels are efficiently down-regulation by siRNA. Tubular cells were transfected with either a siRNA oligonucleotide targeting RelB, NIK or scrambled control. RelB and NIK expression was assessed 72 hours after transfection by Western blot. Representative Western blot of four independent experiments. B) Tubular cells transfected 72 h earlier were treated with TWEAK for 24 h. RelB or NIK siRNA targeting prevented CCL21 upregulation. Representative Western blot and quantification. Mean ± SEM of four independent experiments. *p<0.02 vs control. #p<0.02 vs scrambled Control + TWEAK.