Effects of CDK7 inhibition on fibrotic gene expression

Targeted CDK7, a cyclin-dependent kinase with dual functionality in both cell cycle and transcription, by small molecule inhibitors may attenuate fibrotic response both in vivo and in vitro. However, the exact role of CDK7 in this pathogenic process remains quite elusive. Herein, we want to address this MOA question using RNA-seq. In this RNA-seq experiment we set out to determine (1) the role of CDK7 in fibroblast gene expression and (2) the role of CDK7 in TGF beta-driven gene expression in normal human lung fibroblasts. Overall design: Triplicate cultures of normal human lung fibroblasts were treated with DMSO only (0.10%), the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 (50nM), TGFb (10ng/mL), or combined TGFb and THZ1 (50nM).