Journal: Oncology Letters

Article Title: Exploring multiple biomarkers and constructing ferroptosis-associated competing endogenous RNA networks as dual targets in retinoblastoma

doi: 10.3892/ol.2026.15582

Figure Lengend Snippet: ceRNA networks, drug-gene interactions and PCR validation. (A) The ceRNA-regulating networks illustrate protein-coding genes (red circles), miRNAs (blue diamonds) and lncRNAs (green hexagons), with black lines indicating interactions among lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA, where ceRNA refers to ceRNAs. (B) Validation through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis confirms that CDKN2A and IDH2 expression levels are significantly higher in Y79 cells compared to ARPE-19 cells. Data were normalized to GAPDH expression using the 2 −ΔΔCq method, with each experiment performed in triplicate. ***P<0.001 and ****P<0.0001. (C) The drug-gene interaction analysis shows the linkage map of two hub genes, CDKN2A and IDH2 , along with their potential target drugs, including bisphenol A (code: C006780), sodium arsenite (code: C017947), docetaxel (code: D000077143) and hexabromocyclododecane (code: C089796). ceRNA, competing endogenous RNAs; miRNA, microRNA; lncRNA, long non-coding RNA; RB, retinoblastoma.

Article Snippet: The human retinal pigment epithelium cell line ARPE-19 and the human RB cell line Y79 were sourced from the American Type Culture Collection.

Techniques: Biomarker Discovery, Reverse Transcription, Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Expressing

Journal: Pathogens

Article Title: A Potent Inhibitor of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Works Post-Entry Specifically in Differentiating Myelo-Monocytic Cells

doi: 10.3390/pathogens15050520

Figure Lengend Snippet: DIDS blocks binding and entry into multiple cell types permissive for HCMV infection. ( A – C ) HFFs ( A ), ARPE-19 ( B ) or U373 ( C ) cells were incubated with DIDS, NPPB, DMSO or media for 1h and then infected with HCMV and stained for IE gene expression 24 hpi, and infection was scored relative to DMSO control. ( D , E ) HFFs, ARPE-19 or U373 cells were pre-incubated with DIDS, DMSO, media and then infected with HCMV either at 37 °C ( D ) or 4 °C ( E ), and DNA was harvested 1 hpi and analyzed by qPCR and DNA expressed relative to DMSO control. n = 3 and error bars represent 1 standard deviation from the mean.

Article Snippet: Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (CRL-2302), monocyte cell line THP-1 cells (TIB-202) and primary human fetal foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs, SCRC-1041) were purchased from ATCC.

Techniques: Binding Assay, Infection, Incubation, Staining, Gene Expression, Control, Standard Deviation

Journal: Pathogens

Article Title: A Potent Inhibitor of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Works Post-Entry Specifically in Differentiating Myelo-Monocytic Cells

doi: 10.3390/pathogens15050520

Figure Lengend Snippet: DIDS has cell type-specific differences in time of addition studies that correlate with gB antibody phenotypes. ( A ) HFFs or ARPE-19 cells were incubated with DIDS (50 uM) at intervals between 1 h pre-infection to 4 hpi with TB40/e and assessed for anti-viral activity against infection. Infection was scored by immunostaining for IE gene expression 24 hpi relative to the DMSO control. ( B ) HFFs or ARPE-19 cells were incubated with anti-gB neutralizing antibody ITC-88 (5 ug/mL), 1 h pre-infection to 1 hpi with HCMV. Infection was scored by immunostaining for IE gene expression 24 hpi relative to the IgG control. n = 3 and error bars represent 1 standard deviation from the mean. A two-way ANOVA analysis with multiple comparisons was performed. * p < 0.05.

Article Snippet: Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (CRL-2302), monocyte cell line THP-1 cells (TIB-202) and primary human fetal foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs, SCRC-1041) were purchased from ATCC.

Techniques: Incubation, Infection, Activity Assay, Immunostaining, Gene Expression, Control, Standard Deviation

Journal: Pathogens

Article Title: A Potent Inhibitor of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Works Post-Entry Specifically in Differentiating Myelo-Monocytic Cells

doi: 10.3390/pathogens15050520

Figure Lengend Snippet: DIDS reduces ISG induction by viral infection. ( A , B ) CD14+ monocytes were pre-treated with DIDS (50 uM) or DMSO and then infected with HCMV and analyzed for ISG expression at 6 and 24 hpi by qRT-PCR. All datasets are expressed relative to infected media control. n = 3 and error bars represent 1 standard deviation from the mean. Dashed line represents 1 (no change) For ( A , B ) Mann–Whitney U comparison of the means was performed. * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01 ( C ) An array analysis for the expression of a panel of ISGs in response to viral infection of CD14+ monocytes, ARPE-19, HFFs and MoDCs was performed at 24 hpi in infected cells pre-treated with DIDS (50 uM) or DMSO control for 1 h. Data from a single experiment was analyzed in duplicate.

Article Snippet: Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (CRL-2302), monocyte cell line THP-1 cells (TIB-202) and primary human fetal foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs, SCRC-1041) were purchased from ATCC.

Techniques: Infection, Expressing, Quantitative RT-PCR, Control, Standard Deviation, MANN-WHITNEY, Comparison

Journal: The Journal of Biological Chemistry

Article Title: Age-dependent induction of ER stress in retinal pigment epithelium impairs phagocytosis via ADAM17-dependent MERTK shedding

doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2026.111397

Figure Lengend Snippet: Pharmacological induction of ER stress attenuates phagocytic activity in cultured RPE cells. A , schematic diagram of the phagocytosis assay using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)- and pHrodo succinimidyl ester (pHrodo)-conjugated photoreceptor outer segments (POS). B , a representative image of engulfed FITC-POS ( green ) and Hoechst 33,342 ( blue ) with plasma membrane staining 6 h after FITC-POS treatment. The plasma membrane ( gray ) was visualized by PlasMem Bright Red. Scale bar = 10 μm. C , a representative image of pHrodo signal ( yellow ), LAMP1 (magenta) at 24 h after pHrodo-POS treatment. Scale bar = 10 μm. D–F , Tunicamycin (Tm)-induced short-term ER stress reduces phagocytic activity in ARPE-19 and human primary RPE (hRPE) cells. D , experimental timeline for the assays shown in ( E ) and ( F ). E , quantification of fluorescence intensity for FITC-POS and pHrodo-POS in ARPE-19. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. ### p < 0.001 vs. control (Cont) group (Dunnett’s test). F , quantitative data of fluorescence intensity for pHrodo-POS in hRPE cells. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. ## p < 0.01, ### p < 0.001 vs. Cont group (Dunnett’s test). G , quantification of phagocytized pHrodo-POS after co-treatment with thapsigargin (Tg). Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. # p < 0.05 vs. Cont group (Student's t test). H , cell death rate following Tm or Tg treatment for 6 h. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. N.S. > 0.05 vs. Cont group (Dunnett’s test). I – K , long-term ER stress reduces phagocytic activity in ARPE -19 and hRPE. I , experimental timelines for assays shown in ( J ) and ( K ). Quantitative data of fluorescence intensity of pHrodo-POS in ARPE-19 ( J ) and hRPE ( K ). Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01, ### p < 0.001 vs. Cont group (Dunnett’s test).

Article Snippet: The human-derived RPE cell line, ARPE-19, was purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, VA, USA).

Techniques: Activity Assay, Cell Culture, Phagocytosis Assay, Clinical Proteomics, Membrane, Staining, Fluorescence, Control

Journal: The Journal of Biological Chemistry

Article Title: Age-dependent induction of ER stress in retinal pigment epithelium impairs phagocytosis via ADAM17-dependent MERTK shedding

doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2026.111397

Figure Lengend Snippet: Maturation of ADAM17 mediated by Ca 2+ release from inositol - 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors contributes to MERTK shedding and dysfunction of POS uptake. A , time-dependent change of the mature form of ADAM17 (matADAM17) in ARPE-19 cells after Tm treatment at 10 μg/ml. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 4). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. # p < 0.05 vs. Cont group (Welch's t test). B , expression level of matADAM17 in ARPE-19 after Tm treatment at 1 μg/ml for 54 h. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. ### p < 0.001 vs. Cont group (Welch’s t test). C , localization of ADAM17 after Tm treatment at 10 μg/ml for 3 h. Representative images of ADAM17 ( yellow ), Golgin-97 ( magenta ), and Hoechst 33,342 ( blue ). Scale bar = 10 μm. Quantitative data of fluorescence intensity of ADAM17 colocalized with Golgin-97 after 1 and 3 h after Tm treatment. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (Cont; n = 97 cells, Tm 1 h; n = 103 cells, Tm 3 h; n = 104 cells). ### p < 0.001 vs. Cont group (Dunnett's T3 test). D – F , expression level of matADAM17 after Tm treatment at 10 μg/ml in the presence of decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-chloromethylketone (CMK) (100 μM, D), 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, tetraacetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) (100 μM, E ), or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) (100 μM, F ). Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. ## p < 0.01, ### p < 0.001 vs. Cont group; ∗∗ p < 0.01, ∗∗∗ p < 0.001 vs. Tm-only treated group (Games–Howell test). G , schematic diagram of ER stress-induced ADAM17 maturation and MERTK shedding. H and I , effect of ADAM17 small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment on Tm-induced MERTK downregulation in ARPE-19. H , representative immunoblots of MERTK (extracellular domain), ADAM17, and β-actin. I , quantitative data for MERTK (extracellular domain). Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 6). Each point represents one independent sample prepared from separate wells. ## p < 0.01 vs. control siRNA (siCont) single-treated group; ∗ p < 0.05 vs. siCont and Tm co-treated group (Student's t test). J and K , effect of ADAM17 siRNA on Tm-induced dysfunction of POS uptake in ARPE-19. J , schematic protocol of the POS uptake assay and ( K ) quantitative data of fluorescence intensity of FITC-POS internalized in RPE cells. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 8). Each point represents one independent well. # p < 0.05 vs. siCont single-treated group; †† p < 0.01 vs. siCont and chloroquine co-treated group; ∗ p < 0.05 vs. siCont, chloroquine, and Tm co-treated group (Kruskal–Wallis test followed by post hoc Bonferroni test).

Article Snippet: The human-derived RPE cell line, ARPE-19, was purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, VA, USA).

Techniques: Expressing, Fluorescence, Small Interfering RNA, Western Blot, Control

Journal: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Article Title: Retinal pigment epithelium drives macrophage migration during Toxoplasma gondii infection in vitro

doi: 10.1590/0074-02760250141

Figure Lengend Snippet: transmembrane migration of adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells through Transwell® insert pores to the lower surface of the membrane. (A, B) ARPE-19 cells showing gaps (arrows) corresponding to pores on the lower membrane surface without cell coverage. (C, D) Sensitised ARPE-19 cells (ARPE-19-S) forming a continuous monolayer completely covering the pores.

Article Snippet: ARPE-19 cell culture - The immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (ATCC CRL-2302) was kindly provided by the CASO Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Techniques: Migration, Membrane

Journal: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Article Title: Retinal pigment epithelium drives macrophage migration during Toxoplasma gondii infection in vitro

doi: 10.1590/0074-02760250141

Figure Lengend Snippet: Transwell® migration assay showing adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cell migration through membrane pores and adhesion to the lower surface of the well. (A) Control condition. (B) Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii RH strain (2.5 × 10⁻³ μg/μL). (C) Exposure to soluble T. gondii antigen. Both stimuli increased the migratory response.

Article Snippet: ARPE-19 cell culture - The immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (ATCC CRL-2302) was kindly provided by the CASO Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Techniques: Transwell Migration Assay, Migration, Membrane, Control

Journal: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Article Title: Retinal pigment epithelium drives macrophage migration during Toxoplasma gondii infection in vitro

doi: 10.1590/0074-02760250141

Figure Lengend Snippet: chemotaxis of adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) and sensitised ARPE-19 cells in the under-agar assay after 24 h. Representative images under different experimental conditions. Arrows indicate the migration front.

Article Snippet: ARPE-19 cell culture - The immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (ATCC CRL-2302) was kindly provided by the CASO Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Techniques: Chemotaxis Assay, Migration

Journal: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Article Title: Retinal pigment epithelium drives macrophage migration during Toxoplasma gondii infection in vitro

doi: 10.1590/0074-02760250141

Figure Lengend Snippet: quantification of adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cell migration in the Transwell® assay after exposure to different stimuli. Bars represent the number of cells in the lower chamber following exposure to live tachyzoites, conditioned supernatant or soluble antigen (0.12-2.0 μg). Values are mean ± standard deviation (SD) (n = 3). *p < 0.05 versus control [analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Tukey].

Article Snippet: ARPE-19 cell culture - The immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 (ATCC CRL-2302) was kindly provided by the CASO Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Techniques: Migration, Transwell Assay, Standard Deviation, Control

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: ROS-responsive transmembrane peptide-antibody conjugate eyedrops for the non-invasive treatment of choroidoretinopathy

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102819

Figure Lengend Snippet: Preparation and characterization of the conjugates (A) Schematic diagram of responsive release of the conjugates. (B) Particle size and distribution of aVEGFA, MPEG-aVEGFA, and the conjugates. (C) Particle size changes of aVEGFA, MPEG-aVEGFA, and the conjugates after incubation in hydrogen peroxide. (D) Transmission electron microscopy images of aVEGFA and the conjugates, scale bar = 100 nm. (E–G) Schematic diagram and quantitative results of in vitro experiments assessing corneal penetration ability of FITC-aVEGFA. (H, I) Schematic diagram and quantitative results of in vitro experiments assessing corneal penetration ability of FITC-aPDL1. (J, K) Cytotoxicity evaluation of TAT-MPEG-aVEGFA on HCE-T cells and ARPE19 cells. (L, M) Scratch assay results estimating angiogenesis inhibition, and quantitative analysis. n.s. (not significant) p > 0.05, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001 versus control. Abbreviations: aVEGFA, anti–vascular endothelial growth factor A antibody; TAT-MPEG, trans-activator of transcription peptide–methoxy polyethylene glycol; ARPE-19, human retinal pigment epithelial cell line; HCE-T, human corneal epithelial cell line.

Article Snippet: Murine melanoma (B16) cells were obtained from COBIOER Biotechnology (Nanjing, China), human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) cells and human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE-T) cells were obtained from ProCell Biotechnology (Wuhan, China), HUVECs were obtained from SUNNCELL Biotechnology (Wuhan, China).

Techniques: Incubation, Transmission Assay, Electron Microscopy, In Vitro, Wound Healing Assay, Inhibition, Control