Abstract
Purpose: :
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) plays an important physiological role in telomere protection via direct binding to the telomere. Previously, we have shown that in high glucose conditions GAPDH accumulates in the nucleus of Müller cells in vitro and in vivo. It has been suggested that GAPDH accumulating in the nucleus under hyperglycemic conditions is post-translationally modified. How these increased levels of nuclear GAPDH affect maintenance of telomere stability in Müller cells is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether hyperglycemia alters the ability of GAPDH to protect telomere stability in these cells.
Methods: :
Human (hMC) and rat (rMC-1) Müller cells were treated with normal glucose (7.8mM) or high glucose (25mM) in the presence or absence of R-(-)-Deprenyl (1nM) for 96 hours. R-(-)-Deprenyl, a monoaminooxidase inhibitor, prevents hyperglycemia-induced GAPDH nuclear accumulation. Localization of GAPDH and telomeres were determined using fluorescence in-situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining of metaphase chromosome spreads. Telomerase activity was measured using quantitative telomerase detection kit.
Results: :
Under normal conditions, there is a clear colocalization of GAPDH with the telomeres on the metaphase chromosome spreads of Müller cells. In high glucose treated cells colocalization was less prevalent, indicating the GAPDH-telomere binding is compromised. Telomerase activity was significantly decreased in high glucose treated cells (216806.3±11937.3 amoles/reaction) compared to normal glucose treated cells (354998.3±43124.1 amoles/reaction). R-(-)-Deprenyl treatment restored telomerase activity (233340.9±4480.3 amoles/reaction) and binding of GAPDH to the telomere.
Conclusions: :
Although high glucose induces nuclear accumulation of GAPDH, the accumulated GAPDH failed to protect the telomeres as observed under normal conditions. This, in combination with decreased telomerase activity, potentially triggers accelerated cellular aging.
Keywords: Muller cells • aging • diabetes