MTIM affects retinal ganglion cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE: Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the main cells that form vision in the retina. MT1M is involved in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. However, the role of MTIM in RGCs cells remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RGCs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control group, MT1M group (transfected with MT1M-pcD-NA3.1 plasmid), and MT1M siRNA group (transfected with MT1M siRNA) followed by measuring MT1M and NT-3 expression by real time PCR and Western blot, cell proliferation by MTT assay, secretion of IL-2 and IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SOD activity and ROS content. In addition, expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway protein was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: MT1M expression in MT1M group was significantly increased, which promoted cell proliferation, increased NT-3 expression, and decreased Caspase 3 activity and IL-2 and IL-6 secretion. Meanwhile, SOD activity was increased, ROS content was decreased and PI3K/AKT protein phosphorylation was elevated. The differences were statistically significant compared with control group (p < 0.05). MT1M siRNA decreased MT1M expression, inhibited cell proliferation, decreased NT-3, and increased Caspase 3 activity and IL-2 and IL-6 secretion. In addition, MT1M siRNA decreased SOD activity, increased ROS content and reduced PI3K/ AKT protein phosphorylation. Compared with control group, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulation of MT1M can inhibit RGC cell apoptosis and inflammation, and promote RGC cell proliferation through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.