Induction of an aging mRNA retinal pigment epithelial cell phenotype by matrix-containing advanced glycation end products in vitro

Purpose. To determine an extensive mRNA phenotype of the established RPE cell line ARPE-19 when grown on a matrix modified by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Methods. Growth Factor Reduced Matrigel (Collaborative Biomedical Products, Bedford, MA) was nonenzymatically glycated with glycolaldehyde. ARPE-19 cells were seeded on both AGE-Matrigel and Matrigel and grown to confluence, and serum was withdrawn for 3 days. RNA was extracted, and microarray analysis was performed to characterize the genes, which are altered by a matrix modified by AGEs. Gene expression changes were confirmed by RT-PCR/Southern and Northern blot analysis. Apoptosis was measured by annexin V/propidium iodide labeling. Results. Clusters of genes with altered expression were found related to cell differentiation, growth factors that regulate the RPE cell and basement membrane, and apoptosis. RT-PCR/Southern and Northern blot analysis confirmed the expression patterns of selected genes, and flow cytometry showed increased annexin V/propidium iodide-labeled cells when grown on AGE-Matrigel. Conclusions. Microarray analysis identified clusters of genes that could promote an aging RPE phenotype in vitro induced by a matrix modified with AGEs.