Upregulation of SYF2 Relates to Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis and Retinal Glia Cell Proliferation After Light-Induced Retinal Damage.

SYF2 (SYF2 homologue, RNA splicing factor), also known as CCNDBP1-interactor or p29, belongs to the SYF2 family, which are involved in pre-mRNA splicing and cell cycle progression. Accumulating evidences demonstrate that SYF2 exerted multiple effects including pro-apoptosis, cell differentiation, and glial activation in the pathogenesis of various experimental central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, SYF2 expression and functions in the retina are still with limited acquaintance. To investigate whether SYF2 was involved in retinal degeneration, we performed a light-induced retinal damage model in adult rats. The SYF2 protein expression was dramatically upregulated after retinal damage. Besides that, SYF2 localized in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer (GCL), inner unclear layer (INL), and outer nuclear layer (ONL) after light exposure. In addition, the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, and active caspase-3 was parallel with SYF2. We also found the co-localization of SYF2 with active caspase-3, PCNA, and CD11b. Collectively, SYF2 might participate in RGC apoptosis and retinal glia cell proliferation after light-induced retinal damage.