Gene expression regulation in retinal pigment epithelial cells induced by viral RNA and viral/bacterial DNA.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with systemic and local inflammation. Various studies suggested that viral or bacterial infection may aggravate retinal inflammation in the aged retina. We compared the effects of synthetic viral RNA (poly(I:C)) and viral/bacterial DNA (CpG-ODN) on the expression of genes known to be involved in the development of AMD in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

Methods

Cultured human RPE cells were stimulated with poly(I:C; 500 µg/ml) or CpG-ODN (500 nM). Alterations in gene expression and protein secretion were determined with real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Phosphorylation of signal transduction molecules was revealed by western blotting.

Results

Poly(I:C) induced gene expressi

SUBMITTER: Brosig A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4554413 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature