RNA sequencing analysis for comparing gene expression of the corneal endothelium of Slc4a11-/- vs Slc4a11+/+ mice

Purpose: Slc4a11 KO mice show significant edema and altered corneal endothelial morphology at an early age with concomitant increased mitochondrial ROS and oxidative damage relative to wild type. Here we used RNA-Seq with the goal of finding pathways related to corneal endothelial metabolic, pump and barrier function alterations. Methods: Corneal endothelium-Descemet's membrane (CEDM) samples were from WT and Slc4a11 KO mice at 12 weeks of age. RNA sequencing data was subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and QPCR for validation. Results: The RNA sequencing IPA analysis predicted activation, inhibition or differential regulation of several pathways. We validated downregulation of Glycolytic enzymes, Mitochondrial complex components and Ion transporters. We observed upregulation of genes of cholesterol biosynthesis, GSH metabolism and tight and adherens junctions. Conclusions: Slc4a11 KO induces a coordinated decrease in glycolysis, glutaminolysis, oxygen consumption, lactate transporters and Na-K-ATPase. These changes together with the altered barrier function cause an accumulation of stromal lactate in Slc4a11 KO mice leading to chronic corneal edema. Overall design: Corneal endothelium mRNA from Slc4a11-/- vs Slc4a11+/+ mice at 12 weeks of age.