Proteomic Analysis of Retinal Mitochondria-associated ER Membranes Identified Novel Proteins of Retinal Degeneration in Long-term Diabetes

The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM) is the physical contact site between the ER and the mitochondria and plays a vital role in the regulation of calcium trafficking and bioenergetics. Previous studies suggest that disturbances in calcium trafficking and dysregulation of reactive oxygen species in the ER and mitochondria may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, few studies have examined the impact of diabetes on the retinal MAM proteome profile. In the present study, we used Long Evans rats with streptozotocin-induced long-term Type 1 diabetes to identify key pathways and proteins in the retinal MAM that are potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of DR.