Survivin inhibition attenuates EGF-induced epithelial mesenchymal transformation of human RPE cells via the EGFR/MAPK pathway

Abstract

Purpose The abnormal growth factors–induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was known as a vital pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). This study aims to explore how survivin inhibition affects EMT induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in RPE cells. Methods Human primary RPE cells were identified in vitro. EMT in RPE cells was induced by EGF. Inhibition of survivin in RPE cells was accomplished through the use of a survivin inhibitor (YM155) and survivin siRNA. The viability, proliferation and migration of RPE cells was detected by methylthiazol tetrazolium assay, bromodeoxyuridine labeling assay, and wound healing assay, respectively. The EGF receptor /mitogen–activated protein kinase (EGFR/MAPK) proteins and EMT-related proteins were measured by western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Results EGF induced significant EMT in RPE cells, activated the phosphorylation of EGFR/MAPK signaling proteins, and caused changes to EMT-related proteins. YM155 suppressed RPE cells’ viability, proliferation, and migration; induced the phosphorylation of EGFR, JNK, and P38MAPK; and down regulated EGFR and phosphorylated ERK. YM155 also increased expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 proteins and reduced expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-SMA proteins. The EGF-induced increase of RPE cell proliferation and migration was constrained by survivin inhibition. Moreover, survivin inhibition in RPE cells suppressed the EGF-caused phosphorylation of EGFR/MAPK proteins and attenuated the EGF-induced reduction of E-cadherin and ZO-1 proteins and increase of N-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-SMA proteins. Conclusions Survivin inhibition attenuates EGF-induced EMT of RPE cells by affecting the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway. Survivin might be a promising target for preventing PVR.