Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: An increase in matrix proteins such as fibronectin and collagen I is observed with aging in the RPE basement membrane. However, there are few reports about the alteration of gene expression profiles of RPE depends on the matrix components. We have investigated the change of gene expression profiles of human RPE cell line (ARPE19) cultured on different matrices. Methods:Visually confluent ARPE19 cells were grown on Matrigel (M group) and collagen I (C group), then serum was withdrawn for 3 days. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. The gene expression profiles in both groups were compared using microarray analysis. Results: The number of genes expressed highly in C group than M group (more than 1.5 folds) was 11.9% of total genes examined, while 9.4% of total genes were less expressed in C group than M group (less than 0.5 folds). In specific gene groups, 13.8%, 13.8% in growth factor genes, 22.5%, 10% in cell adhesion molecule genes, 20%, 0% in extracellular matrix protein genes, and 8.8%, 17.6% in protease genes were more or less expressed in C group than M group respectively. Conclusions: The alteration of gene expression patterns of ARPE19 was observed between two groups. The functions of each gene differentially expressed in both matrices need to be disclosed, and it necessitates the specification of genes preferentially linked to clinical outcomes.
Keywords: retinal pigment epithelium • gene microarray