UV radiation down-regulates Dsg-2 via Rac/NADPH oxidase-mediated generation of ROS in human lens epithelial cells.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced cataract has been believed to be associated with degradation of cellular components. We report that, in cultured human lens epithelial cells, UV radiation analogous to H2O2 treatment down-regulates desmosomal protein desmoglein-2. UV radiation induces generation of reactive oxygen species and transiently activates epidermal growth factor receptor, which in turn induces translocation of Rac2 and NADPH oxidase activity. Collectively, our data demonstrate that UV-induced desmoglein-2 down-regulation is mediated reactive oxygen species which are generated through EGFR activation and Rac2/NADPH oxidase activation, suggesting that antioxidants may be applied for protection against UV-induced cataract.