Gremlin-1: An endogenous BMP antagonist induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and interferes with redifferentiation in fetal RPE cells with repeated wounds.

ABSTRACT: Purpose:To investigate the role of Gremlin-1, which is an endogenous antagonist of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, in inducing epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fetal RPE cells after repeated wounds. Methods:Subconfluent repetitive passages in fetal RPE cells were regarded as a model of repeated wounds. A phase contrast microscope was used to observe the morphology and pigment formation in cells. The expression of GREM1 (Gene ID: 26585; OMIM 603054) and EMT- or RPE-related genes in cells was evaluated with quantitative PCR (qPCR). Recombinant human protein Gremlin-1 (0.1 μg/ml) was added every day to investigate the molecular effects of Gremlin-1 on fetal RPE cells. The cell migration rate was investigated using a cell wound scratch assay, and western blott

SUBMITTER: Li D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6817737 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature