Expression of DNA repair genes in lens cortex of age-related cortical cataract

Exp Mol Pathol. 2017 Apr;102(2):219-223. doi: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2017.02.006. Epub 2017 Feb 12.

Abstract

The formation and development of age-related cataract (ARC) has been demonstrated to have the involvement of defective DNA repair in lens epithelial cells (LECs). This study aimed to investigate DNA repair genes expression in human lens cortex collected from age-related cortical cataract (ARCC) and controls during surgery. The expression levels of the genes were evaluated by xx genes microarray analysis. The results were further confirmed by Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). The mRNA levels of 7 genes decreased and 4 genes out of 92 genes increased in lens cortex of ARCCs compared with controls with the fold change >1.5. Using Comet assay, we found the DNA breaks in the LECs of ARCCs were obviously severer than that of controls. The present data provide a global perspective on expression of DNA repair genes that may contribute to cataract pathogenesis. The DNA damage and repair pathway might be an effective target to delay the onset of ARC.

Keywords: Age-related cataract; Comet assay; DNA repair gene; Lens cortex; Lens fiber cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cataract / genetics*
  • Comet Assay
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair / genetics*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / isolation & purification

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger