Abstract
Purpose: :
Caspase14 expression was found in tissues involved in barrier function such as epidermis, choroid plexus, hair follicles, retinal pigment epithelium, and thymic Hassall's bodies, and keratinized oral epithelium. The function of caspase14 is relatively unexplored. Unlike other caspases, it is not involved in the apoptotic caspase cascade, but is associated with terminal differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes and barrier formation. We have recently, shown reduction in the size of tumor made of human salivary gland cells (HSG) transfected with caspase14 and this was associated with significant reduction in tumor angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression of caspase14 in normal retina and in retina with pathological neovascularization.
Methods: :
Experimental retinal neovascularization was developed by incubating a group of mice at postnatal day 7 (P7) in high oxygen (75%) for 5days, followed by 5 days in room air (normoxia). Mice were then sacrificed on P17 and caspase14 expression was tested in retina sections and homogenates using immunofluorescence and Western blotting respectively.
Results: :
Caspase14 is localized in retinal pigment epithelium and vasculature in normal retina. However, ischemic retinopathy is associated with a marked reduction in retinal expression of caspase14.
Conclusions: :
This finding suggests a regulatory role for caspase14 in retinal neovascularization. Further investigations are required to identify the specific role of caspase-14 in ischemic retinopathy.
Keywords: retinal neovascularization • retinopathy of prematurity • retina