Pressure-Induced Alterations in PEDF and PEDF-R Expression: Implications for Neuroprotective Signaling in Glaucoma.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2015

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Alterations in neuron-glia signaling are implicated in glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a secreted protein with potential neuroprotective qualities in retinal disease, including chronic ocular hypertension. Here we sought to determine whether moderate, short-term elevations in IOP alter PEDF signaling and whether pressure-induced PEDF signaling directly impacts RGC apoptosis.

METHODS: In retina from naïve mice and mice with unilateral, microbead-induced glaucoma, we examined expression and cell type-specific localization of PEDF and its receptor (PEDF-R), using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Using primary cultures of purified RGCs and Müller cells, we examined cell type-specific expression of PEDF in response to 48 hours of elevated hydrostatic pressure, using multiplex ELISA and immunocytochemistry. We also measured pressure-induced apoptosis of RGCs in the presence or absence of atglistatin, a potent and selective inhibitor of PEDF-R, and recombinant PEDF, using TUNEL assays.

RESULTS: PEDF and PEDF-R are constitutively expressed in naïve retina, primarily in the ganglion cell and nerve fiber layers. Elevated IOP increases PEDF and PEDF-R expression, particularly associated with RGCs and Müller cells. Elevated pressure

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that moderate, short-term elevations in IOP promote PEDF signaling via up-regulation of both PEDF and PEDF-R. Based on

Volume

6

Issue

5

ISSN

2155-9570

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

26807306

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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