AQUAPORIN-1 EXPRESSION IN MEMBRANES FROM PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY AND IN EPIRETINAL MEMBRANES

Abstract

Purpose: As Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is involved in cell migration and proliferation, the purpose of the study was to investigate its expression in membranes from proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and epiretinal membranes (ERM).

Methods: 19 Membranes from PVR and ERM were collected following eye surgery. AQP1 mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence in both PVR and ERM.

Results: AQP1 mRNA and protein were expressed in both PVR and ERM as shown by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. However, AQP1 protein expression was heterogeneous among and between PVR and ERM. AQP1 was colocalized with alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA or Acta2) and colocalized with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). All the markers used including AQP1, GFAP and αSMA were all statistically positively correlated. All the correlation coefficients calculated were all statistically significant except the correlation coefficient calculated between GFAP and GFAP+AQP1.

Conclusions: AQP1 mRNA and protein were expressed in both PVR and ERM. Due to the absence of αSMA and GFAP colocalization, it is likely that AQP1 is expressed by at least two distinct cells types. AQP1 might play a role in cell migration and proliferation occurring during the formation of PVR and ERM. Therefore, AQP1 could represent a new therapeutic target.

Keywords: 655 proliferative vitreoretinopathy • 701 retinal pigment epithelium • 688 retina