Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Culturing of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells on an Ex Vivo Model of Aged Human Bruch's Membrane
Published on: April 12, 2018
Altered membrane fatty acids of cultured human retinal pigment epithelium persistently infected with rubella virus
L L Williams1, H M Lew, F H Davidorf
1William H. Havener Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.
Abstract:
Persistent infection with rubella virus (RV) can alter secondary functions of host cells. Previously we had documented defective phagocytosis of latex beads by cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), persistently infected with M-33 RV (RPE/RV). Here, examining possible mechanisms for altered function, we reported significant differences between the total esterified fatty acids (FA) of RPE and RPE/RV membranes, measured by gas liquid chromatography. RPE/RV contained an increased proportion of saturated FA, particularly palmitic acid, with a presence of unusual chromatographic FA peaks co-eluting with odd-numbered long-chain carbon atom FA not normally found in human cells. Apical membrane microvilli, structures essential to phagocytic activity of RPE and RPE/RV, observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, were similar in number and appearance between uninfected RPE and RPE/RV cells before and after latex bead addition. However, RPE/RV microvilli, possibly reflecting altered membrane FA composition, engaged latex beads less effectively than uninfected RPE microvilli. In addition, microvilli remained abnormally distributed on RPE/RV cell surfaces at 48 h after latex addition. Thus, RV persistent infection may affect the cellular membrane fluidity and functional activity of human cells with increased saturated FA proportions and altered FA components of membrane phospholipids. These changes may participate in the defective phagocytosis of RPE/RV.
Insights
Persistent rubella virus (RV) infection alters human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell membranes, increasing saturated fatty acids and impairing phagocytosis. These membrane changes may explain RPE cell functional defects.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Persistent rubella virus (RV) infection can disrupt host cell functions.
- Previous studies showed defective phagocytosis in RV-infected human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells (RPE/RV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms behind altered RPE/RV cell function.
- To analyze the fatty acid (FA) composition of RPE and RPE/RV cell membranes.
Main Methods:
- Gas liquid chromatography was used to measure esterified fatty acids in RPE and RPE/RV membranes.
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy examined cell microvilli before and after latex bead addition.
Main Results:
- RPE/RV membranes showed significant differences in FA composition compared to RPE membranes.
- RPE/RV membranes had increased saturated FA, particularly palmitic acid, and unusual FA peaks.
- While microvilli structure was similar, RPE/RV microvilli engaged latex beads less effectively and showed abnormal distribution post-interaction.
Conclusions:
- Persistent RV infection alters the membrane fatty acid composition of human RPE cells.
- Increased saturated FA and altered membrane phospholipids may affect cellular membrane fluidity and function.
- These membrane changes are implicated in the defective phagocytosis observed in RV-infected RPE cells.
More Related Videos
10:39Improved Lipofuscin Models and Quantification of Outer Segment Phagocytosis Capacity in Highly Polarized Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cultures
Published on: April 14, 2023
06:16LipidUNet-Machine Learning-Based Method of Characterization and Quantification of Lipid Deposits Using iPSC-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Published on: July 28, 2023