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Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions
Published on: July 28, 2022
Septin expression in proliferative retinal membranes
Xiaorong Xin1, Mona Pache, Barbara Zieger
1Department of Ophthalmic Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We undertook this study to evaluate the expression of septin family members SEPT5, SEPT8, and SEPT11 in proliferative retinal membranes. Epiretinal membranes (ERM) were obtained from seven patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and from four patients and four postmortem eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Subretinal membranes (SRM) were obtained from one patient and six postmortem eyes. Membranes were examined by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin sections using polyclonal antibodies against SEPT5, SEPT8, and SEPT11 and an ABC detection system. SEPT8 expression was detected in all ERM and SRM, with an exceptionally strong expression of 100% for ERM of PVR, 63% for PDR membranes, and 57% for SRM. SEPT11 was identified in 91% of all cases, with strong expression of 14%, 25%, and 14% in ERM of PVR, PDR, and SRM, respectively. SEPT5 was seen in 54% of all cases; strong immunostaining was found in only one case of PVR membranes. Our finding suggests a role for members of the septin family in the development of proliferative retinal membranes.
Insights
Septin proteins SEPT8 and SEPT11 are highly expressed in proliferative retinal membranes, including those from proliferative vitreoretinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This suggests septins play a role in the development of these serious eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proliferative retinal membranes, such as epiretinal membranes (ERM) and subretinal membranes (SRM), are associated with severe vision-threatening conditions.
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) are leading causes of vision loss due to the formation of these membranes.
- The molecular mechanisms driving the formation of proliferative retinal membranes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of specific septin family members (SEPT5, SEPT8, and SEPT11) in proliferative retinal membranes.
- To determine if septins are involved in the pathogenesis of epiretinal membranes (ERM) and subretinal membranes (SRM) in conditions like proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin-embedded sections of ERM and SRM samples.
- Polyclonal antibodies against SEPT5, SEPT8, and SEPT11 were used with an ABC detection system.
- Samples were obtained from patients with PVR, PDR, and postmortem eyes.
Main Results:
- SEPT8 expression was detected in 100% of PVR ERMs, 63% of PDR membranes, and 57% of SRMs.
- SEPT11 was identified in 91% of all samples, with strong expression noted in a subset of ERMs and SRMs.
- SEPT5 was present in 54% of samples, with strong immunostaining observed in only one PVR membrane case.
Conclusions:
- Septin family members, particularly SEPT8 and SEPT11, are significantly expressed in proliferative retinal membranes.
- These findings suggest a potential role for septins in the cellular processes underlying the development of ERM and SRM in PVR and PDR.
- Further research into the specific functions of septins in retinal membrane formation is warranted.
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