Genes expression of NOGO-A and its receptors in amniotic fluid treated human RPE cells

To investigate gene expression of NOGO-A and its receptors in human amniotic fluid (HAF)-treated human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS)-treated cells.Methods: Gene expressions of NOGO-A and its receptors, NgR1 and lingo-1, were investigated and analyzed in 30% HAF- versus FBS-treated hRPE cells by using real time PCR.Results: Our results showed that NOGO-A, NgR1 and Lingo-1 are normally expressed in hRPE cells. Gene expressions of NOGO-A, NgR1, and Lingo-1 in HAF-treated hRPE cells were, respectively, 112 (P < 0.001), 20 (P < 0.001), and 11 (P = 0.014) times respected to those of FBS-treated cells.Conclusion: Increased gene expressions of NOGO-A and its receptors support neural differentiation of hRPE cells in the presence of HAF. Our findings provide further evidences on effectiveness of HAF in trans-differentiation of hRPE cells into neural progenitors and retinal neural cells, which may be of great help in cell replacement therapy.