Hypoxia up-regulates CD36 expression and function via hypoxia-inducible factor-1- and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: Neovascular and degenerative diseases of the eye are leading causes of impaired vision and blindness in the world. Hypoxia or reduced oxygen tension is considered central to the pathogenesis of these disorders. Although the CD36 scavenger receptor features prominently in ocular homeostasis and pathology, little is known regarding its modulation by hypoxia. Herein we investigated the role and regulation of CD36 by hypoxia and by the major hypoxia effector, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1. In vivo, hypoxia markedly induced CD36 mRNA in corneal and retinal tissue. Subsequent experiments on human retinal pigment epithelial cells revealed that hypoxia time-dependently increased CD36 mRNA, protein, and surface expression; these responses were reliant upon reactive oxygen species production. As

SUBMITTER: Mwaikambo BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2785357 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature