The T-Box Transcription Factor TBX2 Regulates Cell Proliferation in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

ABSTRACTPurpose: Vertebrate eye development and function critically depend on the regulation of proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Hence, a thorough analysis of the molecular parameters controlling RPE cell proliferation is crucial for our understanding of the physiology of this cell type both in health and in disease. The T-box transcription factor TBX2 is an important cell cycle regulator in development and oncogenesis, but its specific role in RPE cell proliferation is far from clear. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether TBX2 plays any role in regulating RPE cell proliferation.Materials and methods: The expression of TBX2 in RPE cells was analyzed in wildtype mice and ARPE-19 cells by co-staining for RPE-specific markers and cell proliferation. In vitro, the role of TBX2 was studied by manipulating its levels using RNAi and analyzing the effects on DNA synthesis and cell growth and on gene expression at the RNA and protein levels.Results: Here, we find that T...