Retinoic acid induces VEGF gene expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19).
OBJECTIVE
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.
Chen
Jiann-Torng
JT
Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. jt66chen@ms32.hinet.net
Liang
Jy-Been
JB
Chou
Chung-Long
CL
Shyu
Ruey-Ching
RC
Lu
Da-Wen
DW
D002460:Cell Line; D003609:Dactinomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D003609:Dactinomycin; D014212:Tretinoin