PERK/EIF2AK3 integrates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and autophagy responses in immortalised retinal pigment epithelial cells

Saptarshi, Neil, Porter, Louise F and Paraoan, Luminita ORCID: 0000-0001-7568-7116 (2022) PERK/EIF2AK3 integrates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and autophagy responses in immortalised retinal pigment epithelial cells. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 12 (1). 13324-.

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16909-6

Abstract

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) performs essential functions for ensuring retinal homeostasis and is a key site for pathogenic changes leading to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Compromised proteostasis in RPE results in ER stress and ER stress-dependent antioxidant, apoptosis and autophagic responses. ER stress induces the unfolded protein response (UPR) in which EIF2AK3, encoding the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), acts as a key regulator. Downregulated EIF2AK3 gene expression has recently been identified in AMD using human donor RPE, however the molecular mechanisms that integrate the various ER-mediated cellular pathways underpinning progressive RPE dysfunction in AMD have not been fully characterised. This study investigated the downstream effects of PERK downregulation in response to Brefeldin A (BFA)-induced ER stress in ARPE-19 cells. PERK downregulation resulted in increased ER stress and impaired apoptosis induction, antioxidant responses and autophagic flux. ARPE-19 cells were unable to efficiently induce autophagy following PERK downregulation and PERK presented a role in regulating the rate of autophagy induction. The findings support PERK downregulation as an integrative event facilitating dysregulation of RPE processes critical to cell survival known to contribute to AMD development and highlight PERK as a potential future therapeutic target for AMD.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Epithelial Cells, Humans, eIF-2 Kinase, Retinal Pigments, Antioxidants, Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2023 10:30
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2023 10:30
DOI:	10.1038/s41598-022-16909-6
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16909-6
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168140