Aquaporin-1 down regulation associated with inhibiting cell viability and inducing apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells

作者：Zheng, Hong-Hua; Xu, Guo-Xing^*; Guo, Jian; Fu, Li-Cheng; Yao, Yao

来源：International Journal of Ophthalmology, 2016, 9(1): 15-20.

DOI：10.18240/ijo.2016.01.03

• Aquaporin-1
• small interfering RNA
• lens epithelial cells proliferation
• apoptosis
• cell counting kit-8
• flow cytometry

AIM: To investigate the role of Aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) in lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its potential target genes. AQP-1 is specifically expressed in LECs of eyes and is significant for lens homeostasis and transparency maintenance. Herein, AQP -1 expression in LECs was investigated to evaluate its influence on cell survival in association with its potential role in cataract formation.
METHODS: LECs were transfected with lentivirus carrying AQP-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were conducted to detect AQP -1 expression in LECs from different groups. Meanwhile, cell counting kit -8. (CCK -8) assay and flow cytometry were performed to measure LEC proliferation and apoptosis, respectively.
RESULTS: AQP-1 expression was significantly reduced in LECs, both at mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05), after siRNA treatment. Decreased cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay in LECs with siRNA interference, compared to control cells (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate significantly increased in cells after siRNA interference (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The decreased cell viability following AQP-1 down regulation is largely due to its induction of apoptosis of LECs. AQP -1 reduction might lead to changes of physiological functions in LECs, which might be associated with the occurrence and development of cataracts.

• 出版日期2016-1-18
• 单位福建医科大学