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Abstract #53529 Published in IGR 15-2
Increased expression of the TRPC6 gene in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Chen S; Fan Q; Gao X; Wang X; Huang R; Laties AM; Zhang XClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2013; 41: 753-760
BACKGROUND: The result of primary open-angle glaucoma is the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) is a pressure-related, non-selective cation channel that may function in the survival of RGCs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of the TRPC6 gene in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Randomization study at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University in China. PARTICIPANTS: 80 POAG patients and 75 cataract patients recruited from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. METHODS: In a university laboratory, total RNA was extracted from the leukocytes of the peripheral blood collected. The levels of TRPC6-mRNA were determined by real-time PCR. Related factors including age, intraocular pressure (IOP), optic cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio, and visual field defect were also analyzed accordingly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical examination and the mRNA level of the TRPC6 gene. RESULTS: The expression level of the TRPC6 gene in the white blood cells of POAG patients was two times higher when compared to control cataract patients (p < 0.001). The TRPC6 gene expression level was also correlated with IOP and C/D ratio (both p < 0.001). Treatment with different IOP-lowering drugs did not affect the expression of the TRPC6 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing expression levels of the TRPC6 gene in the blood accompanies chronic elevation of IOP in POAG and may serve as a genetic biomarker for POAG. Since TRPC6 is a pressure-related channel protein, increased expression levels may have diverse physiological and pathophysiological effects in ocular tissues.
State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
Full articleClassification:
3.4.2 Gene studies (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods > 3.4 Molecular genetics)
3.9 Pathophysiology (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)