GM-CSF regulates the ERK1/2 pathways and protects injured retinal ganglion cells from induced death

Granulocyte–macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) is a potent hematopoietic cytokine. In the present study, we examined whether GM-CSF is neuroprotective in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). First, we studied the expression of GM-CSF and the GM-CSF-α-receptor in rat and human retina and in RGC-5 cells. Then, RGC-5 cells were incubated with apoptosis-inducing agents (e.g., staurosporine, glutamate and NOR3). The cell death was assessed by Live-Death-Assays and apoptosis-related-proteins were examined by immunoblotting. In addition, the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2-pathway-proteins after incubation with GM-CSF and after inhibiting MEK1/2 with U0126 was analyzed. To assess the in vivo-effect, first staurosporine or GM-CSF plus staurosporine was injected into the vitreous body of Sprague–Dawley rats. In a second axotomy model the optic nerve was cut and GM-CSF was injected into the vitreous body. In both models, the RGCs were labeled retrogradely with either Fluoro-Gold or 4-Di-10-Asp and counted. As a first result, we identified GM-CSF and the GM-CSF-α-receptor in rat and human retina as well as in RGC-5 cells. Then, in the RGC-5 cells GM-CSF counteracts induced cell death in a dose-and time-dependent manner. With respect to apoptosis, Western blot analysis revealed a decreased Bad-expression and an increased Bcl-2-expression after co-incubation with GM-CSF. Concerning signaling pathways, incubation with GM-CSF activates the ERK1/2 pathway, whereas inhibition of MEK1/2 with U0126 strongly decreased the phosphorylation downstream in the ERK1/2 pathway, and the antiapoptotic activity of GM-CSF in vitro. Like in vitro, GM-CSF counteracts the staurosporine-induced cell death in vivo and protects RGCs from axotomy-induced degeneration. Our data suggest that GM-CSF might be a novel therapeutic agent in neuropathic disease of the eye.