Activator of G-protein signaling 8 is involved in VEGF-induced choroidal neovascularization

Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 7;9(1):1560. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-38067-4.

Abstract

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss among elderly people. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is essential for the development and progression of AMD, and VEGF signaling molecules are effective targets for the treatment of AMD. We recently reported that activator of G-protein signaling 8 (AGS8), a receptor-independent Gβγ regulator, is involved in VEGF-induced angiogenesis in cultured endothelial cells (EC); however, the role of AGS8 in CNV is not yet understood. This study aimed to explore the role of AGS8 in CNV in cultured cells, explanted choroid tissue, and laser-induced CNV in a mouse AMD model. AGS8 knockdown in cultured choroidal EC inhibited VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 phosphorylation, cell proliferation, and migration. AGS8 knockdown also downregulated cell sprouting from mouse choroidal tissue in ex vivo culture. A mouse model of laser-induced CNV, created to analyze the roles of AGS8 in vivo, demonstrated that AGS8 mRNA was significantly upregulated in choroidal lesions and AGS8 was specifically expressed in the neovasculature. Local AGS8 knockdown in intravitreal tissue significantly inhibited laser-induced AGS8 upregulation and suppressed CNV, suggesting that AGS8 knockdown in the choroid has therapeutic potential for AMD. Together, these results demonstrate that AGS8 plays critical roles in VEGF-induced CNV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / etiology*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / metabolism*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Macular Degeneration / etiology
  • Macular Degeneration / metabolism
  • Macular Degeneration / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism*

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A