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Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors
Published on: February 28, 2017
Jagged1-Notch1 Signaling Pathway Induces M1 Microglia to Disrupt the Barrier Function of Retinal Microvascular
Xiyu Wu1,2, Haoxian Zhu1,2, Junbin Liu2
1School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Purpose:
Microglia-related inflammation is closely linked to the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the impact and mechanism of M1 phenotype microglia on the barrier function of retina microvascular endothelial cells.
Methods:
Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blot techniques were utilized to analysis the mRNA and protein expressions of M1 and M2 markers of human microglial clone 3 cell line (HMC3), as well as the levels of Notch ligands and receptors under the intervention of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin (IL)-4. ELISA was utilized to detect the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines from HMC3 cells. The cellular tight junction and apoptosis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were assessed by western blot and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran permeability assay. The inhibitors of Notch1 and RNA interference (RNAi) targeting Jagged1 were used to assess their contribution to the barrier function of vascular endothelial cells.
Results:
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β were considerably elevated in LPS-treated HMC3, while CD206 and Arg-1 markedly elevated under IL-4 stimulation. The conditioned medium derived from LPS-treated HMC3 cells promoted permeability, diminished the expression of zonula occludens-1 and Occludin, and elevated the expression of Cleaved caspase-3 in HRMECs. RNAi targeting Jagged1 or Notch1 inhibitor could block M1 HMC3 polarization and maintain barrier function of HRMECs.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that Jagged1-Notch1 signaling pathway induces M1 microglial cells to disrupt the barrier function of HRMECs, which may lead to retinal diseases.
Insights
Microglia inflammation contributes to retinal diseases. This study reveals the Jagged1-Notch1 pathway in M1 microglia disrupts retinal endothelial cell barriers, impacting disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia-related inflammation is a key factor in retinal disease development.
- Understanding the role of M1 microglia in retinal barrier integrity is crucial for therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of M1 phenotype microglia on the barrier function of retinal microvascular endothelial cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving the Jagged1-Notch1 signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- Human microglial (HMC3) and retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were used.
- Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and ELISA assessed M1/M2 markers, cytokines, and Notch signaling.
- Cellular permeability, tight junction proteins, and apoptosis assays evaluated barrier function.
Main Results:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced M1 polarization in HMC3 cells, increasing pro-inflammatory markers.
- Conditioned medium from M1 microglia increased HRMEC permeability, reduced tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, Occludin), and induced apoptosis.
- Jagged1 inhibition or Notch1 blockade prevented M1 polarization and preserved HRMEC barrier function.
Conclusions:
- The Jagged1-Notch1 signaling pathway mediates M1 microglia-induced disruption of the retinal endothelial barrier.
- This mechanism is implicated in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases.
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