NDR2 Kinase Regulates Microglial Metabolic Adaptation and Inflammatory Response: Critical Role in Glucose-Dependent Functional Plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major complication of diabetes, is driven by chronic inflammation in which retinal microglial cells play a central role. The Hippo pathway kinases NDR1/2 regulate macrophage function, but their role in microglia and DR remain unknown. This study investigates the function of the NDR2 kinase in microglial cells under high-glucose (HG) conditions. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we partially knocked out the Ndr2/Stk38l gene in BV-2 mouse microglial cells and analyzed metabolic activity, phagocytosis, migration, and cytokine release. We confirmed NDR2 expression in microglia and observed increased levels under HG, suggesting a role in hyperglycemia-induced stress. Ndr2/Stk38l (hereafter referred to as Ndr2) downregulation impaired mitochondrial respiration

SUBMITTER: Fazendeiro B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12609617 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature