Mechanical stretching elevates peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 expression in astrocytes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the mechanical stretching renders modulation of the peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) expression in cultured astrocytes.
METHODS: Isolated rat brain astrocytes were subjected to mechanical stretching using a glass bead set-up and polyethylene set-up with or without immobilization. Activity assays and ELISA were performed to detect PAD2 expression. Protein deimination levels in the cells were measured using an anti-citrulline ELISA. PAD2 expression in cells subjected to mechanical stretching was compared with controls. Astrocytes were also subjected to pressure treatment and compared to control cells for PAD2 expression and deimination levels.
RESULTS: Astrocytes subjected to mechanical stretching with or without immobilization showed elevated PAD2 expression. Pressure treatment of astrocytes (25-100 mmHg) also resulted in elevated PAD2 expression and deimination.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest mechanical stretching induced PAD2 expression and consequent protein deimination.