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SMP30 Attenuates Lens Epithelial Cells Pyroptosis of Cataract via the Downregulation of p-STAT3

Yongshun Liang1, Qingqiao Gan1, Xin Zhong1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.

Journal of Inflammation Research
|September 15, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) is downregulated in cataract cell pyroptosis. Overexpressing SMP30 reduces lens epithelial cell pyroptosis by decreasing p-STAT3, showing potential for cataract treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, characterized by lens opacity.
  • Lens epithelial cell (LEC) pyroptosis is implicated in cataract pathogenesis.
  • The role of senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) in LEC pyroptosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of SMP30 on pyroptosis in lens epithelial cells.
  • To determine the relationship between SMP30 and p-STAT3 signaling in cataract development.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of SMP30 in cataracts.

Main Methods:

  • Cataract induction in rats using UVB irradiation and subsequent analysis of LECs.
  • Quantification of SMP30 and pyroptosis markers using RT-qPCR.
  • Overexpression of SMP30 in rat and human LECs via AAV2 and lentiviral vectors.
  • Proteomic analysis to identify proteins associated with pyroptosis.
  • Western blot, ELISA, and rescue experiments with p-STAT3 modulators.

Main Results:

  • UVB irradiation decreased SMP30 expression and increased pyroptosis markers in rat LECs.
  • SMP30 overexpression reduced pyroptosis markers in H₂O₂-induced human LECs.
  • Proteomic analysis identified STAT3 as a key protein affected by SMP30.
  • Modulation of p-STAT3 signaling influenced the anti-pyroptotic effects of SMP30.

Conclusions:

  • SMP30 expression is downregulated in cataract-associated LEC pyroptosis.
  • Overexpression of SMP30 inhibits LEC pyroptosis, potentially via downregulation of p-STAT3.
  • SMP30 represents a promising target for novel cataract prevention and treatment strategies.
Keywords:
SMP30cataractlens epithelial cellsp-STAT3pyroptosis

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