Decreased DJ-1 Leads to Impaired Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense and Increased UV-A-Induced Apoptosis in Corneal Endothelial Cells [Cornea]

Conclusions.
Downregulation of DJ-1 impairs nuclear translocation of Nrf2, causing decreased antioxidant gene expression and increased oxidative damage. The decline in DJ-1 levels leads to heightened CEC susceptibility to UV-A light by activating p53-dependent apoptosis. Targeting the DJ-1–Nrf2 axis may provide a potential therapeutic approach for enhancing antioxidant defense in corneal endothelial disorders.

Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - September 3, 2014 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Liu, C., Chen, Y., Kochevar, I. E., Jurkunas, U. V. Tags: Cornea Source Type: research