GAPDH-silence preserves H9C2 cells from acute hypoxia and reoxygenation injury

Shao Liang1, Ma Aiqun2, Gemma Figtree3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

Abstract

Insights

Silencing glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) enhances autophagy and antioxidant pathways, reducing cell death from acute hypoxia and reoxygenation injury. This finding offers new therapeutic targets for oxidative stress-related cardiac conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acute hypoxia and reoxygenation injury are implicated in various pathophysiological processes.
  • Autophagy and oxidative stress are known contributors to acute hypoxia and reoxygenation injury.
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) plays a role in cellular responses to stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of silencing GAPDH on H9C2 cardiomyoblasts subjected to acute hypoxia and reoxygenation injury.
  • To elucidate the involvement of autophagy and antioxidant stress pathways in GAPDH-mediated cytoprotection.
  • To assess the impact of GAPDH silence on cell viability, apoptosis, and energy metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • GAPDH expression was silenced using siRNA in H9C2 cardiomyoblasts.
  • Autophagy was assessed via western blot and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining.
  • Cell apoptosis, death, and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured.
  • Oxidant stress markers (DCFH-DA, TBARS, GSH, SOD) were quantified.

Main Results:

  • GAPDH silencing significantly enhanced autophagy and antioxidant pathways in H9C2 cells under hypoxia/reoxygenation.
  • Silencing GAPDH reduced cell apoptosis and death without affecting intracellular ATP levels.
  • Oxidative stress was decreased, while antioxidant capacity was increased following GAPDH silencing.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-silencing of GAPDH by siRNA confers protection against cell death in acute hypoxia and reoxygenation injury.
  • The protective mechanism involves the modulation of autophagy and anti-oxidative stress pathways.
  • This study highlights GAPDH's pathophysiological role and suggests it as a potential therapeutic target for oxidative stress-related cardiac diseases.

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