title: Aquaporin-1 down regulation associated with inhibiting cell viability and inducing apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the role of Aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) in lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its potential target genes. AQP-1 is specifically expressed in LECs of eyes and is significant for lens homeostasis and transparency maintenance. Herein, AQP-1 expression in LECs was investigated to evaluate its influence on cell survival in association with its potential role in cataract formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  LECs were transfected with lentivirus carrying AQP-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were conducted to detect AQP-1 expression in LECs from different groups. Meanwhile, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry were performed to measure LEC proliferation and apoptosis, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AQP-1 expression was significantly reduced in LECs, both at mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05), after siRNA treatment. Decreased cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay in LECs with siRNA interference, compared to control cells (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate significantly increased in cells after siRNA interference (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The decreased cell viability following AQP-1 down regulation is largely due to its induction of apoptosis of LECs. AQP-1 reduction might lead to changes of physiological functions in LECs, which might be associated with the occurrence and development of cataracts.
authors.affiliation: Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China.
authors.forename: Hong-Hua
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China.
authors.forename: Guo-Xing
authors.initials: GX
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China.
authors.forename: Jian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China.
authors.forename: Li-Cheng
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.affiliation: Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China.
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yao
keywords: Aquaporin-1; apoptosis; cell counting kit-8; flow cytometry; lens epithelial cells proliferation; small interfering RNA