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YAP activation reverses aging-related visual dysfunction caused by impaired cell-matrix adhesion

ABSTRACT: Cellular senescence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is a major contributor to age-related visual decline, particularly in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have advanced our understanding of the genetic factors underlying AMD, the molecular mechanisms driving RPE senescence remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on RPE cells from young and old mice, uncovering a close relationship between dysregulated genes involved in cell-matrix adhesion and RPE senescence. Using hydrogel systems to manipulate integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesion, we demonstrated that impaired adhesion can induce cellular senescence in RPE cells. Mechanistically, we identified the mechanotransducer Yes-associated protein (YAP) as a key protector against RPE senescence. Notably, YAP activation alone was sufficient to trigger stem cell transcriptional programs and reverse aging phenotypes in senescent RPE cells. Furthermore, treatment with TRULI, a small-molecule YAP activator, significantly restored visual function in both an AMD mouse model and naturally aged mice. Our findings highlight the integrin-YAP mechanotransduction pathway as a fundamental mechanism preventing RPE senescence, positioning YAP activation as a promising strategy to reverse RPE aging and restore visual function.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE282283 | GEO | 2026/02/19

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by the degeneration of the macular photoreceptors. This is preceded by development of subretinal protein aggregates (drusen) and degeneration of the macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The underlying pathogenesis remains unknown, but the immune system is suspected to play a key role in it. Aging of the immune system, immunosenescence, includes changes in T cell sub-populations and results in low-level chronic inflammation. Because AMD exclusively occurs in patients over 55 years of age, we hypothesize that aging of the T cell compartment may be implicated in AMD pathogenesis. Methodology and principal findings: Using an in vitro co-culture system, we investigated the effects of activated T cells on a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19). Differential gene expression in the RPE cells of complement factor genes was identified using microarrays, and selected gene transcripts from the alternative complement pathway were validated by q-RT-PCR. Protein expression was determined by ELISA and immunoblotting. Co-culture with activated T cells increased RPE mRNA and protein expression of complement component C3, factors B, H, H-like 1, CD46, CD59, and clusterin, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: RPE cells responded to inflammatory assault caused by exposure to T cell-derived cytokines by upregulating expression of many complement factors from the alternative pathway. This may have implications for RPE ability to deal with complement attack, and opsonization and removal of debris from the RPE-choroidal interface. We speculate that regulation of the complement system in response to inflammatory assault may play a vital role in RPE pathology and drusen biogenesis. Experiment Overall Design: 10 samples investigating variations of co-cultures of RPE cells and T-cells. Variable parameters include the cell type, the co-culturing of the counter-part cell type and the orientation of the system (apical vs basolateral).

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YAP activation reverses aging-related visual dysfunction caused by impaired cell-matrix adhesion

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