Abstract
Purpose :
Nano sized double layer exosomes are known to participate in signaling transfer between cells. Our goal was to explore the role of exosomes as oxidative stress signals transfer in the ocular drainage system, a highly vulnerable system to continue oxidative stress.
Methods :
Exosomes from the aqueous producing cells-Non Pigmented Ciliary Epithelium (NPCE) following moderate oxidative stress were used to treat the aqueous humor draining cells-Trabecular meshwork (TM) under oxidative stress. Non-stressed NPCE and TM cells were used as controls.qRT-PCR, Western Blot analysis, spectroscopic cells redox state and antioxidants enzymes activity were used
Results :
Exosomes derived from oxidized NPCE cells significantly protected TM cells from direct oxidative stress. The TM cells uptake of exosomes from oxidized NPCE and their cytosolic NRF2 levels were significantly higher at 8h post exposure. Exosomes derived from oxidized NPCE cells significantly attenuated Wnt protein expression in TM cells and activated major antioxidant genes as measured by qRT-PCR. The TM cells exposed to EVs derived from oxidized NPCE cells exhibited significantly lower oxidative stress and higher SOD and Catalase activity. Finally, we were able to show that carbonylated proteins, end products of oxidized protein, are presented in significantly higher levels in exosomes derived from oxidized NPCE cells, supporting their suggested role in the signaling process.
Conclusions :
Exosomes can deliver oxidative stress alert with effective response between NPCE cells and Trabecular meshwork cells.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.