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RIPK3 and RIPK1 gene expression in pterygium: unveiling molecular insights into pathogenesis
Mahnaz Divandari1, Amin Javadifar2, Arezoo Baradaran Moghadam1
1Department of Biology, Sabzevar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar, Iran.
Background:
Pterygium, characterized by the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells, matrix remodeling, vascularization, and lesion migration, is a prevalent ocular surface disease involving the growth of fibrovascular tissue on the cornea. Despite the unclear underlying causes of pterygium, numerous investigations have indicated the involvement of cell death pathways in the regulation of cell cycle dynamics. Consequently, the objective of this study was to assess the expression levels of necroptosis markers in individuals diagnosed with pterygium, aiming to shed light on the potential role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Methods:
This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3) and receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) genes in pterygium tissues. 41 patients undergoing pterygium excision surgery were recruited. Resected pterygium samples and normal conjunctival tissues were collected, and RIPK3 and RIPK1 mRNA levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.
Results:
Our findings reveal that the expression of RIPK3 is significantly increased in samples obtained from individuals with pterygium. However, no significant alterations were observed in the expression of RIPK1 in these samples. Results showed significantly higher RIPK3 expression in pterygium tissues compared to controls. Moreover, increased RIPK3 levels correlated negatively with pterygium recurrence rates.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest RIPK3 may play a protective role against pterygium recurrence through necroptosis.
Insights
Increased expression of RIPK3, a necroptosis marker, was observed in pterygium tissues. Higher RIPK3 levels in pterygium may offer protection against recurrence, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease involving fibrovascular growth on the cornea.
- Cell death pathways, including necroptosis, are implicated in regulating cell cycle dynamics.
- The role of necroptosis in pterygium pathogenesis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of necroptosis markers, specifically RIPK3 and RIPK1, in pterygium tissues.
- To determine the potential role of necroptosis in the development and progression of pterygium.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure RIPK3 and RIPK1 mRNA levels.
- Pterygium tissue samples from 41 patients were compared with normal conjunctival tissues.
- Expression patterns of RIPK3 and RIPK1 were analyzed in relation to pterygium.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated RIPK3 mRNA expression was found in pterygium tissues compared to controls.
- No significant changes in RIPK1 mRNA levels were observed between pterygium and control tissues.
- Increased RIPK3 expression showed a negative correlation with pterygium recurrence rates.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that RIPK3 may play a protective role in preventing pterygium recurrence.
- Necroptosis, mediated by RIPK3, could be a key factor in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
- RIPK3 warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic target for pterygium.
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