Abstract
Purpose :
In this study, we investigated whether overexpression of sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) regenerates human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) in vitro.
Methods :
SOX2 was overexpressed by CRISPR/dCAS9 activation systems. HCECs were cultured as previously described. Cell viability, proliferation rate, cell cycle analysis was analyzed according to SOX2 overexpression. Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression.
Results :
Cell viability, proliferation rate and the number of cells in S phase were increased by SOX2 overexpression (p<0.05). Cyclin-dependent kinase1 and cyclin D1 were overexpressed and collagen VIIIa2 expression was decreased by SOX2 overexpression (p<0.05). Wnt signaling was repressed and AKT pathway was activated by SOX2 overexpression. Mitochondrial oxidative stress and adenosine triphosphate production was increased by SOX2 overexpression (p<0.05).
Conclusions :
SOX2 overexpression may contribute to wound healing and regeneration of HCECs. SOX2 overexpression may be useful in treatment of HCECs disease
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.