Pigment epithelium-derived factor hinders photoreceptor cell death by reducing intracellular calcium in the degenerating retina.

ABSTRACT: Calcium ions play a critical role in neuronal cell death. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a promising neuroprotective protein for photoreceptor cells but the mechanisms mediating its effects against retinal degeneration are still not well characterized. We addressed this question in the rd1 degenerating mouse retina that bears a mutation in the Pde6b gene encoding one subunit of the phosphodiesterase enzyme. Loss of phosphodiesterase activity in rod photoreceptor cells increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels leading to a rise in intracellular calcium. Short-term treatments with recombinant human PEDF protein decreased intracellular calcium in photoreceptors in vivo. Taking advantage of calcium pump blockers, we defined that PEDF signaling acts on PMCA calcium pum

SUBMITTER: Comitato A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5948223 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature