Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine whether the mechanical stretching leads to modulation of the peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) expression in cultured astrocytes. Astrocyte activation has been implicated in Glaucomatous Neuropathy. Previously, elevation in intraocular pressure has shown to result in astrocyte activation and PAD2 overexpression.
Methods: :
Isolated rat brain cortex astrocytes were subjected to mechanical stretching using a glass bead set-up and polyethylene set-up with or without immobilization. The deiminase activity assays and anti-PAD2 ELISA were preformed to detect PAD2 expression. Protein deimination levels in the cells were measured using an anti-citrulline ELISA. PAD2 expression in cells subjected to mechanical stretching was compared with controls. Astrocytes were also subjected to pressure treatment and compared to control cells for PAD2 expression and deimination levels.
Results: :
Astrocytes subject to mechanical stretching with or without immobilization showed elevated PAD2 expression. Pressure treatment of astrocytes (25-100mmHg) also resulted in elevated PAD2 expression and deimination.
Conclusions: :
These results suggest mechanical stretching induced PAD2 expression and consequent protein deimination.
Keywords: protein modifications-post translational • astrocytes: optic nerve head • intraocular pressure