nsformed cell line called ARPE-19. They also used primary human RPE cells and found that they also synthesize NPD1. The researchers showed that neurotrophins regulate NPD1 by stimulating its production and also controlling its release. They found that the neurotrophin PEDF not only sparks the production of NPD1, but it acts synergistically with DHA indicating that the availability of the NPD1 initial precursor is critical for its synthesis.

To answer the question about whether or not NPD1 could prevent cell death caused by an excess of A2E known to accumulate in the RPE during aging and to be exaggerated in age-related macular degeneration, the researchers added NPD1 to an A2E-induced experimental model and found it not only stopped programmed cell death, but that the protective effects were present even six hours later. The team decided to explore whether oxidative stress triggered by another experimental condition, called serum starvation/H2O2/TNF,, would be similarly inhibited. NPD1 also exerted protection in this experimental condition. Addition of NPD1 even eight hours after triggering oxidative stress resulted in protection. In a series of further experiments to delineate how NPD1 acts, the scientists found that NPD1 elicits a specific action rather than antioxidant activity to counteract A2E-induced cell death in RPE cells.

One of these papers reports also the discovery that the daily interaction of photoreceptors and RPE cells balance against damage is maintained by NPD1.

The regulation of these proteins involved in cell survival or death shown by this research will help us define NPD1 survival bioactivity in the RPE cell, notes Dr. Bazan. These events are clinically significant because they may allow the exploration of therapeutic interventions for retinal degenerative diseases such retinitis pigmentosa.

'"/>

Contact: Leslie Capo
lcapo@lsuhsc.edu
504-452-9166
Louisiana State University Health Science Center
30-Jul-2007

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Gilbert Foundation and American Fed for Aging Research award grants on Alzheimers disease
2. Research shows skeleton to be endocrine organ
3. Research aims to identify markers for menopausal women at risk for deadly blood clot
4. Research team enlightens the reasons for severe blindness
5. Research teams uncover risk genes for multiple sclerosis
6. Researchers find pathway that controls cell size and division
7. Researchers watch antibiotics, bacteria meet at atomic level
8. Researchers discover gene responsible for Restless Legs Syndrome
9. Research study describes the role part of the brain plays in memory
10. NY Stem Cell Foundations 2nd Annual Translational Stem Cell Research Conference
11. Researchers witness natural selection at work in dramatic comeback of male butterflies