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

• Main Authors: Hong-Hua Zheng, Guo-Xing Xu, Jian Guo, Li-Cheng Fu, Yao Yao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Press of International Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO PRESS) 2016-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Aquaporin-1; small interfering RNA; lens epithelial cells proliferation; apoptosis; cell counting kit-8; flow cytometry
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.cn/en_publish/2016/1/20160103.pdf

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.