Growth-associated protein-43 gene modified adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect against retinitis pigmentosa / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy and cell transplantation therapy, especially their combined use, have certain therapeutic effects on retinitis pigmentosa. However, little attention has been paid to the combination of gene therapy and cell transplantation in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) modified by growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) gene on the retina of rats with retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS: ADMSCs from rats with retinitis pigmentosa were isolated and cultured, and then transfected with GAP-43 lentiviral vector. Sixty retinitis pigmentosa rats were randomized into experimental group (subretinal injection of GAP-43-transfected ADMSCs), control group (subretinal injection of ADMSCs) and sham operation group (PBS injection). The expressions of GAP-43 protein, Rho protein and GS protein in the retina of rats were determined by western blot. The outer nuclear layer thickness of the retina was determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After transfected cell transplantation, the expression of GAP-43 protein in the retina was gradually increased with time and showed significant differences at different time post-transplantation (P the control group > the sham group, and there was significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). These results show that the ADMSCs modified by GAP-43 gene have protective effect on the retina of rats with retinitis pigmentosa.