HIV-1 Tat protein alter the tight junction integrity and function of retinal pigment epithelium: an in vitro study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

How HIV-1 enter into the eyes remains obscure. We postulated that HIV-1 Tat protein can alter the expression of specific tight-junction proteins and disturb the blood retinal barrier, and contributes to HIV trafficking into the eyes. This study is to determine the effects of HIV-1 Tat proteins on the barrier function and tight-junction protein expression of retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE).

Methods

A human RPE cell line (D407) cultured on microporous filter-supports was used. After treating with HIV-1 Tat protein, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of confluent RPE cells was measured by epithelial voltmeter. The permeability of the RPE cells to sodium fluorescein was measured. The expressions of the occludin and claudins were determined by real-time

SUBMITTER: Bai L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2430207 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature