Loss of MCT1, MCT3, and MCT4 expression in the retinal pigment epithelium and neural retina of the 5A11/basigin-null mouse

PURPOSE. The neural retina expresses multiple monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) that are likely to play a key role in the metabolism of the outer retina. Recently, it was reported that targeting of MCTI and -4 to the plasma membrane requires association with 5A11/basigin (CD147). In the present study, the hypothesis that reduced amplitudes in the electroretinograms in the 5A11/basigin null mouse (Bsg(-/-)) may be linked to altered expression of MCTs was studied. METHODS. The expression and subcellular distribution of MCTs in Bsg(-/-) mice was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy with isoform-specific antibodies. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blot analysis, and mRNA expression was examined with RT-PCR. RESULTS. Immunofluorescence labeling of tissue sections from the Bsg(-/-) mice revealed a dramatic reduction in labeling with MCT antibodies. There was a loss of MCT1 labeling in the apical membrane of the RPE and in the neural retina. MCT3, which is expressed in the basolateral membrane of the RPE wild-type mouse, was expressed at very low levels in both the apical and basolateral membranes of the Bsg(-/-) mouse. There was no change in expression or distribution of the glucose transporter (GLUT)-1 in the RPE and retina of the Bsg(-/-) mouse. Western blot analysis of detergent-soluble lysates prepared from wild-type and Bsg(-/-) eyes confirmed that the levels of MCTI, MCT3, and MCT4 protein were severely reduced in Bsg(-/-) mice. RT-PCR analyses of mRNA levels from wild-type and Bsg(-/-) mice demonstrated that the MCTI transcript was expressed at normal levels in Bsg(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS. In Bsg(-/-) mice, there is a severe reduction in accumulation of the MCT1 and -3 proteins in the RPE and a concomitant reduction in MCT1 and -4 in the neural retina supporting a role for 5A11/basigin in the targeting of these transporters to the plasma membrane. Decreased expression of MCTI and -4 on the surfaces of Muller and photoreceptor cells may compromise energy metabolism in the outer retina, leading to abnormal photoreceptor cell function and degeneration.