Gene expression changes induced by IL-6 trans-signaling activation in retinal endothelial cells

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with diverse biological functions. IL-6 signaling is also observed in a wide variety of cell types lacking IL-6 receptor. A soluble form of the IL-6 receptor (sIL6R) can bind to IL-6 in circulation and activate cells through an alternative pathway termed as IL-6 trans-signaling. Increasing evidence suggests that IL-6 trans-signaling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We have previously shown that activation of IL-6 trans-signaling induces barrier dysfunction and oxidative stress in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are not clear. The purpose of this study was to discover global gene expression changes in HRECs following activation of IL-6 trans-signaling pathway.