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Garza S, Sottas C, Gukasyan HJ, Papadopoulos V. In vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of a mitochondrial fusion promoter on Leydig cell integrity and function. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1357857. [PMID: 38511146 PMCID: PMC10950900 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1357857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The interstitial testicular Leydig cells are responsible for the production of testosterone, which functionally deteriorate with normal aging. Decreased expression of mitochondrial steroidogenic interactome proteins and diminished mitochondrial function in aging Leydig cells suggest that mitochondrial dynamics play a role in maintaining adequate levels of testosterone. Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) protein regulates mitochondrial dynamics and cristae formation in many cell types. Previous studies showed that increasing OPA1 expression in dysfunctional Leydig cells restored mitochondrial function and recovered androgen production to levels found in healthy Leydig cells. These findings suggested that mitochondrial dynamics may be a promising target to ameliorate diminished testosterone levels in aging males. Methods: We used twelve-month-old rats to explore the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and Leydig cell function. Isolated Leydig cells from aged rats were treated ex vivo with the cell-permeable mitochondrial fusion promoter 4-Chloro-2-(1-(2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)hydrazono)ethyl) phenol (mitochondrial fusion promoter M1), which enhances mitochondrial tubular network formation. In parallel, rats were treated with 2 mg/kg/day M1 for 6 weeks before Leydig cells were isolated. Results: Ex vivo M1-treated cells showed enhanced mitochondrial tubular network formation by transmission electron microscopy, enhanced Leydig cell mitochondrial integrity, improved mitochondrial function, and higher testosterone biosynthesis compared to controls. However, in vivo treatment of aged rats with M1 not only failed to re-establish testosterone levels to that of young rats, it also led to further reduction of testosterone levels and increased apoptosis, suggesting M1 toxicity in the testis. The in vivo M1 toxicity seemed to be tissue-specific, however. Conclusion: Promoting mitochondrial fusion may be one approach to enhancing cell health and wellbeing with aging, but more investigations are warranted. Our findings suggest that fusion promoters could potentially enhance the productivity of aged Leydig cells when carefully regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Yu M, Zhao S. Functional role of translocator protein and its ligands in ocular diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:33. [PMID: 38186312 PMCID: PMC10804439 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is an essential outer mitochondrial membrane protein that is responsible for mitochondrial transport, maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and normal physiological cell function. The role of TSPO in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases is a growing area of interest. More notably, TSPO exerts positive effects in regulating various pathophysiological processes, such as the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, steroid synthesis and modulation of microglial function, in combination with a variety of specific ligands such as 1‑(2‑chlorophenyl‑N‑methylpropyl)‑3‑isoquinolinecarboxamide, 4'‑chlorodiazepam and XBD173. In the present review, the expression of TSPO in ocular tissues and the functional role of TSPO and its ligands in diverse ocular diseases was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 30384, P.R. China
| | - Shaozhen Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 30384, P.R. China
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Zhai R, Fang B, Lai Y, Peng B, Bai H, Liu X, Li L, Huang W. Small-molecule fluorogenic probes for mitochondrial nanoscale imaging. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:942-972. [PMID: 36514947 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00562j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are inextricably linked to the development of diseases and cell metabolism disorders. Super-resolution imaging (SRI) is crucial in enhancing our understanding of mitochondrial ultrafine structures and functions. In addition to high-precision instruments, super-resolution microscopy relies heavily on fluorescent materials with unique photophysical properties. Small-molecule fluorogenic probes (SMFPs) have excellent properties that make them ideal for mitochondrial SRI. This paper summarizes recent advances in the field of SMFPs, with a focus on the chemical and spectroscopic properties required for mitochondrial SRI. Finally, we discuss future challenges in this field, including the design principles of SMFPs and nanoscopic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxiu Zhai
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
| | - Bin Fang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China. .,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Yaqi Lai
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
| | - Bo Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
| | - Hua Bai
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
| | - Xiaowang Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China.
| | - Lin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China. .,The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China. .,The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
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Garza S, Chen L, Galano M, Cheung G, Sottas C, Li L, Li Y, Zirkin BR, Papadopoulos V. Mitochondrial dynamics, Leydig cell function, and age-related testosterone deficiency. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22637. [PMID: 36349989 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201026r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial translocator protein (18 kDa; TSPO) is a high-affinity cholesterol-binding protein that is an integral component of the cholesterol trafficking scaffold responsible for determining the rate of cholesterol import into the mitochondria for steroid biosynthesis. Previous studies have shown that TSPO declines in aging Leydig cells (LCs) and that its decline is associated with depressed circulating testosterone levels in aging rats. However, TSPO's role in the mechanistic decline in LC function is not fully understood. To address the role of TSPO depletion in LC function, we first examined mitochondrial quality in Tspo knockout mouse tumor MA-10 nG1 LCs compared to wild-type MA-10 cells. Tspo deletion caused a disruption in mitochondrial function and membrane dynamics. Increasing mitochondrial fusion via treatment with the mitochondrial fusion promoter M1 or by optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) overexpression resulted in the restoration of mitochondrial function and mitochondrial morphology as well as in steroid formation in TSPO-depleted nG1 LCs. LCs isolated from aged rats form less testosterone than LCs isolated from young rats. Treatment of aging LCs with M1 improved mitochondrial function and increased androgen formation, suggesting that aging LC dysfunction may stem from compromised mitochondrial dynamics caused by the age-dependent LC TSPO decline. These results, taken together, suggest that maintaining or enhancing mitochondrial fusion may provide therapeutic strategies to maintain or restore testosterone levels with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Garza
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Liting Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Melanie Galano
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Garett Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chantal Sottas
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yuchang Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Walker BR, Moraes CT. Nuclear-Mitochondrial Interactions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030427. [PMID: 35327619 PMCID: PMC8946195 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, the cell’s major energy producers, also act as signaling hubs, interacting with other organelles both directly and indirectly. Despite having its own circular genome, the majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear DNA. To respond to changes in cell physiology, the mitochondria must send signals to the nucleus, which can, in turn, upregulate gene expression to alter metabolism or initiate a stress response. This is known as retrograde signaling. A variety of stimuli and pathways fall under the retrograde signaling umbrella. Mitochondrial dysfunction has already been shown to have severe implications for human health. Disruption of retrograde signaling, whether directly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction or cellular environmental changes, may also contribute to pathological deficits. In this review, we discuss known signaling pathways between the mitochondria and the nucleus, examine the possibility of direct contacts, and identify pathological consequences of an altered relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittni R. Walker
- Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1420 NW 9th Avenue, Rm. 229, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Carlos T. Moraes
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1420 NW 9th Avenue, Rm. 229, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-243-5858
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Guilarte TR, Rodichkin AN, McGlothan JL, Acanda De La Rocha AM, Azzam DJ. Imaging neuroinflammation with TSPO: A new perspective on the cellular sources and subcellular localization. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 234:108048. [PMID: 34848203 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO), previously named Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor, is a well-validated and widely used biomarker of neuroinflammation to assess diverse central nervous system (CNS) pathologies in preclinical and clinical studies. Many studies have shown that in animal models of human neurological and neurodegenerative disease and in the human condition, TSPO levels increase in the brain neuropil, and this increase is driven by infiltration of peripheral inflammatory cells and activation of glial cells. Therefore, a clear understanding of the dynamics of the cellular sources of the TSPO response is critically important in the interpretation of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies and for understanding the pathophysiology of CNS diseases. Within the normal brain compartment, there are tissues and cells such as the choroid plexus, ependymal cells of the lining of the ventricles, and vascular endothelial cells that also express TSPO at even higher levels than in glial cells. However, there is a paucity of knowledge if these cell types respond and increase TSPO in the diseased brain. These cells do provide a background signal that needs to be accounted for in TSPO-PET imaging studies. More recently, there are reports that TSPO may be expressed in neurons of the adult brain and TSPO expression may be increased by neuronal activity. Therefore, it is essential to study this topic with a great deal of detail, methodological rigor, and rule out alternative interpretations and imaging artifacts. High levels of TSPO are present in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Recent studies have provided evidence of its localization in other cellular compartments including the plasma membrane and perinuclear regions which may define functions that are different from that in mitochondria. A greater understanding of the TSPO subcellular localization in glial cells and infiltrating peripheral immune cells and associated function(s) may provide an additional layer of information to the understanding of TSPO neurobiology. This review is an effort to outline recent advances in understanding the cellular sources and subcellular localization of TSPO in brain cells and to examine remaining questions that require rigorous investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás R Guilarte
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America.
| | - Alexander N Rodichkin
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L McGlothan
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Arlet Maria Acanda De La Rocha
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Diana J Azzam
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
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Giordani A, Menziani MC, Moresco RM, Matarrese M, Paolino M, Saletti M, Giuliani G, Anzini M, Cappelli A. Exploring Translocator Protein (TSPO) Medicinal Chemistry: An Approach for Targeting Radionuclides and Boron Atoms to Mitochondria. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9649-9676. [PMID: 34254805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Translocator protein 18 kDa [TSPO or peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)] was identified in the search of binding sites for benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs in peripheral regions. In these areas, binding sites for TSPO ligands were recognized in steroid-producing tissues. TSPO plays an important role in many cellular functions, and its coding sequence is highly conserved across species. TSPO is located predominantly on the membrane of mitochondria and is overexpressed in several solid cancers. TSPO basal expression in the CNS is low, but it becomes high in neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, TSPO constitutes not only as an outstanding drug target but also as a valuable marker for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. The aim of the present article is to show the lesson we have learned from our activity in TSPO medicinal chemistry and in approaching the targeted delivery to mitochondria by means of TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giordani
- Rottapharm Biotech S.p.A., Via Valosa di Sopra 9, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Menziani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, IBFM-CNR, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Matarrese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, IBFM-CNR, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mario Saletti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Germano Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Anzini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Deletion of Mitochondrial Translocator Protein (TSPO) Gene Decreases Oxidative Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Death via Modulation of TRPM2 Channel. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050382. [PMID: 33924902 PMCID: PMC8145237 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) is a mitochondria protein of the cellular outer membrane in the mitochondria of several cells, including ARPE19 is TSPO. Accumulating evince indicates that the presence of TSPO participated the modulations of Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial free reactive oxygen species (fROS) generation. The deletion of TSPO gene provides to study the action of TSPO on the levels of apoptosis, ADP-ribose (ADPR), mitochondria-fROS (Mito-fROS), and apoptosis via the stimulation of Ca2+ permeable channels in the models of cell culture. The stimulations of oxidative stress and ADPR induce the activation of TRPM2 in the ARPE19. For clarifying the involvement of TSPO in retinal human diseases, we used the ARPE19 human cell culture model. The current results demonstrated that the deletion of TSPO induces the regulation of TRPM2 in the TSPO gene knockout ARPE19 (ARPE19-KO) In fact, the present results show that the presence of TSPO increased the upregulations of apoptosis and mitochondria oxidative cytotoxicity values via stimulation of TRPM2 in the ARPE19. Nevertheless, the blockages of PARP-1 (PJ34 and DPQ) and TRPM2 (2APB and ACA) downregulated the values of cell death and oxidative cytotoxicity in the ARPE19. In summary, present results clearly demonstrate that the deletion of TSPO decreases mitochondrial oxidative cytotoxicity-mediated cell death via the modulation of TRPM2 in the ARPE19. Abstract The current results indicated the possible protective actions of 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) deletion on TRPM2 stimulation, mitochondrial free ROS (Mito-fROS) and apoptotic harmful actions in the cells of adult retinal pigment epithelial19 (ARPE19). There was a direct relationship between TSPO and the disease of age-related macular degeneration. The nature of TSPO implicates upregulation of Mito-fROS and apoptosis via the activation of Ca2+ channels in ARPE19, although deletion of TSPO gene downregulates the activation. The decrease of oxidative cytotoxicity and apoptosis might induce in TSPO gene deleted cells by the inhibition of Mito-fROS and PARP-1 activation-induced TRPM2 cation channel activation. The ARPE19 cells were divided into two main groups as TSPO expressing (ARPE19) and non-expressing cells (ARPE19-KO). The levels of caspase -3 (Casp -3), caspase -9 (Casp -9), apoptosis, Mito-fROS, TRPM2 current and intracellular free Ca2+ were upregulated in the ARPE19 by the stimulations of H2O2 and ADP-ribose, although their levels were downregulated in the cells by the modulators of PARP-1 (DPQ and PJ34), TRPM2 (ACA and 2APB) and glutathione. However, the H2O2 and ADP-ribose-mediated increases were not observed in the ARPE19-KO. The expression levels of Bax, Casp -3, Casp -9 and PARP-1 were higher in the ARPE19 group as compared to the ARPE19-KO group. In summary, current results confirmed that TRPM2-mediated cell death and oxidative cytotoxicity in the ARPE19 cells were occurred by the presence of TSPO. The deletion of TSPO may be considered as a therapeutic way to TRPM2 activation-mediated retinal oxidative injury.
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