Pigment epithelium-derived factor mediates retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection by suppression of caspase-2.

ABSTRACT: Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) undergo rapid cell death by apoptosis after injury but can be rescued by suppression of caspase-2 (CASP2) using an siRNA to CASP2 (siCASP2). Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), has neuroprotective and anti-angiogenic functions and protects RGC from death. The purpose of this study was to investigate if suppression of CASP2 is a possible mechanism of neuroprotection by PEDF in RGC. Adult rat retinal cells were treated in vitro with sub-optimal and optimal concentrations of siCASP2 and PEDF and levels of CASP2 mRNA and RGC survival were then quantified. Optic nerve crush (ONC) injury followed by intravitreal injections of siCASP2 or PEDF and eye drops of PEDF-34 were also used to determine CASP2 mRNA and protein reduction. Results showed that PEDF and PEDF

SUBMITTER: Vigneswara V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6362048 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature