Objective To investigate the influence of RNA interference targeting c-Jun gene on the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods The experiment was performed with c-Jun siRNA (c-Jun siRNA group), control reverse sequence siRNA (control siRNA group) or no siRNA (control group). VSMCs were transfected with siRNA targeting c-Jun gene by liposome. Effects of c-Jun siRNA on mRNA and protein expressions of c-Jun were examined by RT-PCR analysis and Western blot respectively. MTT test and 3H-TdR incorporation were used to detect VSMCs proliferation. Cell cycle analysis of VSMCs in vitro was determined by flow cytometer. Results The expression levels of mRNA and protein of c-Jun in c-Jun siRNA group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between control group and control siRNA group (Pgt;0.05). Proliferation activity of VSMCs decreased significantly in c-Jun siRNA group compared with that in control group (P<0.05) and VSMCs was blocked in the G0/G1 phase of cell cycle significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between control group and control siRNA group (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion c-Jun gene silenced by RNA interference can inhibit VSMCs proliferation effectively in vitro.