Loss of XBP1 accelerates age-related decline in retinal function and neurodegeneration.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Aging is the strongest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and extended age results in neuronal degeneration and functional decline in the visual system. Among many contributing factors to age-related deterioration of neurons is an insufficient activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in response to cellular stress. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a major component of the UPR and is essential for maintaining protein homeostasis and reducing cellular stresses. Herein, we investigate the role of XBP1 in maintaining morphological and functional integrity in retinal neurons during adulthood and the early stages of aging. METHODS:The basal and induced levels of XBP1 activation in the retina were measured in young adult and aged mice

SUBMITTER: McLaughlin T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5883257 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature