Annexin A2 promotes development of retinal neovascularization through PI3K/ AKT signaling pathway

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Retinal Neovascularization (RNV) is a pathological characteristic of ocular diseases. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) plays important roles in RNV while the mechanism remains unclear. The study aimed to explore relationship between ANXA2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in RNV.

Methods

We used human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs) and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice model to show ANXA2 can promote the development of RNV through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. We divided HRECs into six groups by infecting lentivirus containing appropriate plasmid and adding corresponding solution. Assays showing ability of HRECs were performed in vitro. Mice were randomly divided into three groups and treated accordingly.

Results

Expression of ANXA2 and activity of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HRECs were detected. RNV and expression of ANXA2 in mice retinas were detected. Results showed that ANXA2 expression is positively related with RNV-forming ability of HRECs in vitro and development of RNV in vivo while low activity of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway could attenuate the role of ANXA2.

Conclusions

We can make ANXA2 and PI3K/ AKT signaling pathway as a promising target for the regulation of pathological neovascularization of the retina, which also provides a novel idea for effective prevention and treatment of diseases related to RNV in future.

KEYWORDS:

• Annexin A2
• human retinal vascular endothelial cell
• retinal neovascularization
• AKT
• PI3K

Acknowledgments

Authors thank Microbiology office of Naval Medical University for materials in the experiment.

Author contribution statement

Chenyue Li did the experiments, analyzed the results and edited the manuscript. Zichang Zhao arranged the experiments and helped with statistical analysis. Shihong Zhao designed the subject, analyzed the results, and revised the manuscript.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Shihong Zhao, upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Statement of ethics

All animals were treated in accordance with the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research and whole process of experiments were undertaken with review and approval from the Animal Ethical and Experimental Committee of Naval Medical University. All surgery was performed under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia, and all efforts were made to minimize suffering.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81970822 and No.81470652).