RNA-binding protein PCBP1regulated dry eye disease via ferroptosis

Background Dry eye disease (DED) is a medical condition which is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and clinical signs related to insufficient or poor-quality of tears. In this study, we investigated a potential protein and related mechanisms involved in DED process. Methods Bioinformatics technology was conducted to find potential protein. PCR and Elisa assay were performed to detect gene and protein level in the tear samples collected from patients. Ex vivo DED model was built by hyperosmotic stress‑induced cell model and knockdown of aimed gene was achieved by lentivirus vector-mediated shRNA. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry was conducted to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Western blot was performed to detect oxidative stress-related proteins. Then ROS and iron level within cells were also detected by assay kit. Results The expression of PolyC-RNA binding protein 1 (PCBP1) of tear samples was higher in DED patients compared with non-DED controls both in gene and protein level. In ex vivo DED model, PCBP1 could decrease corneal epithelial cell proliferation and increase cell apoptosis. Moreover, PCBP1 also decreased oxidative stress-related protein level as well as increased ROS and iron level within cells. Conclusion PCBP1 could influence dry eye disease via ferroptosis by regulating cell viability and oxidative stress process.