Retinoic acid induces VEGF gene expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19).

Article Details

Citation

Copy to clipboard

Chen JT, Liang JB, Chou CL, Shyu RC, Lu DW

Retinoic acid induces VEGF gene expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19).

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Dec;21(6):413-9.

PubMed ID

16386082 [ View in PubMed

]

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to retinoic acid (RA) in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Expression of VEGF in human ARPE-19 cells was determined by a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA stability was assessed after the administration of actinomycin D. The induction of the VEGF gene by various RAs was also determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) time-dependently increased VEGF mRNA levels. The effect of atRA was dose-dependent in a range between 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M. Treatment with actinomycin D revealed that atRA induces the VEGF gene at the transcriptional level. Of the various RAs tested, atRA was the most potent inducer of the VEGF gene. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that atRA stimulates the induction of the VEGF gene in ARPE-19 cells, suggesting a novel pathway for the development of age-related macular degeneration.