Overexpression of TRPV1 activates autophagy in human lens epithelial cells under hyperosmotic stress through Ca-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Aim: To explore whether autophagy functions as a cellular adaptation mechanism in lens epithelial cells (LECs) under hyperosmotic stress.

Methods: LECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress at the concentration of 270, 300, 400, 500, or 600 mOsm for 6, 12, 18, 24h . Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for the mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes, while Western blotting detected the targeted protein expression.

Proteomic analysis of s-acylated proteins in human retinal pigment epithelial cells and the role of palmitoylation of Niemann-Pick type C1 protein in cholesterol transport.

Palmitoylation is a dynamic process that regulates the activity of the modified proteins. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells play pivotal roles in the visual cycle and maintaining healthy photoreceptor cells. Dysfunctional RPE cells are often associated with degenerative retinal diseases.

mTORC1 Activation in -Specific Knockout Mice Accelerates Retina Aging and Degeneration.

Age-associated decline in retina function is largely responsible for the irreversible vision deterioration in the elderly population. It is also an important risk factor for the development of degenerative and angiogenic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the process of aging in the retina remain largely elusive.

Spectrum of Variants in 389 Chinese Probands With Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy.

Purpose: To identify potentially pathogenic variants (PPVs) in Chinese familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) patients in FZD4, LRP5, NDP, TSPAN12, ZNF408, and KIF11 genes.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from probands and their parent(s). Genomic DNA was analyzed by next-generation sequencing, and the sequence of selected variants were validated by Sanger sequencing.

Age-related pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic changes in human aqueous humor.

Aim: To reveal age-related aqueous cytokine changes in human aqueous humor.

Methods: Aqueous humor was collected from 12 young children (3-6.5 years old) and 71 healthy adults (22-106 years old) with cataract but without other systemic or ocular disorders.

The Prevalence of Ocular Allergy and Comorbidities in Chinese School Children in Shanghai.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and features of ocular allergy (OA) and comorbidities among school children in Shanghai, China.

Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study. Each participant completed an ISAAC-based questionnaire.

Identification of novel KIF11 mutations in patients with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and a phenotypic analysis.

KIF11 gene mutations cause a rare autosomal dominant inheritable disease called microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema, or mental retardation (MCLMR). Recently, such mutations were also found to be associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Here, we report 7 novel KIF11 mutations identified by targeted gene capture in a cohort of 142 probands with FEVR who were diagnosed in our clinic between March 2015 and November 2015.

A potential role for protein palmitoylation and zDHHC16 in DNA damage response.

Background: Cells respond to DNA damage by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-related kinases, p53 and other pathways to promote cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and/or DNA repair. Here we report that protein palmitoylation, a modification carried out by protein acyltransferases with zinc-finger and Asp-His-His-Cys domains (zDHHC), is required for proper DNA damage responses.

Results: Inhibition of protein palmitoylation compromised DNA damage-induced activation of Atm, induction and activation of p53, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and DNA damage foci assembly/disassembly in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts.