Abstract
The transepithelial potential difference (TEP) across the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) is dependent on ionic pumps and tight junction “seals” between epithelial cells. RPE cells release neurotrophic growth factors such as pigment epithelial derived factor (PEDF), which is reduced in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). The mechanisms that control the secretion of PEDF from RPE cells are not well understood. Using the CCL2/CX3CR1 double knockout mouse model (DKO), which demonstrates RPE damage and retinal degeneration, we uncovered an interaction between PEDF and the TEP which is likely to play an important role in retinal ageing and in the pathogenesis of AMD. We found that: (a) the expression of ATP1B1 (the Na+/K+‐ATPase β1 subunit) was reduced significantly in RPE from aged mice, in patients with CNV (Choroidal Neovascularization) and in DKO mice; (b) the expression of PEDF also was decreased in aged persons and in DKO mice; (c) the TEP across RPE was reduced markedly in RPE cells from DKO mice and (d) an applied electric field (EF) of 50‐100 mV/mm, used to mimic the natural TEP, increased the expression and secretion of PEDF in primary RPE cells. In conclusion, the TEP across the RPE depends on the expression of ATP1B1 and this regulates the secretion of PEDF by RPE cells and so may regulate the onset of retinal disease. Increasing the expression of PEDF using an applied EF to replenish a disease or age‐reduced TEP may offer a new way of preventing or reversing retinal dysfunction.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5552-5564 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 11 |
Early online date | 30 Aug 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Fight for Sight. Grant Numbers: 1712/13, 1361/1362NHS Grampian Endowments, Friends of ANCHOR, Action Medical Research. Grant Number: GN2299
Keywords
- ATP1B1
- CCL2/CX3CR1 double knockout mice
- cell‐cell connection
- extracellular electrical signalling
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Microscopy and Histology
Wilkinson, D. (Manager) & Milne, G. (Manager)
Medical SciencesResearch Facilities: Facility