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The expression and significance of mTORC1 in diabetic retinopathy

Yanli Liu1,2, Yarong Zheng1,2, Yekai Zhou1,2

  • 1The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.

BMC Ophthalmology
|July 22, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation increases p-S6, VEGF, and PEDF protein levels in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Targeting mTORC1 offers a new therapeutic strategy for DR treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes affecting the eyes.
  • Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is implicated in various cellular processes.
  • Understanding mTORC1's role in DR is crucial for developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and significance of mTORC1 in DR.
  • To identify potential new therapeutic targets and methods for DR treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A diabetic rat model was established using streptozotocin.
  • Retinopathy was assessed via hematoxylin and eosin staining.
  • Protein levels (p-S6, VEGF, PEDF) were measured using immunohistochemistry and western blotting.
  • Human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCECs) were cultured under high glucose conditions and treated with rapamycin or transfected with siTSC1.
  • Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using EDU and Transwell assays.

Main Results:

  • Diabetic rats showed increased p-S6 and VEGF, and decreased PEDF expression compared to controls.
  • High glucose induced increased p-S6, proliferation, and migration in HRCECs.
  • Activating mTORC1 (siTSC1) further increased p-S6, proliferation, and migration.
  • Rapamycin treatment reduced p-S6, proliferation, and migration in high glucose conditions.

Conclusions:

  • mTORC1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Activated mTORC1 influences p-S6, VEGF, and PEDF protein expression.
  • mTORC1 modulates endothelial cell proliferation and migration in DR.
  • mTORC1 represents a promising therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy.
Keywords:
Cell proliferation and migrationDiabetic retinopathyP-S6PEDFVEGFmTORC1

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