Abstract
Purpose: :
To expand the usefulness of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as a model organism to investigate refractive development. Here we use a novel proteomics screening protocol to identify potentially important protein biomolecules associated with myopia induced with minus lenses.
Methods: :
-12D lenses were directly sutured over one eye for one-day, four-days, ten-days and ten-day plus two day recovery time intervals to mimic early to late refractive error development as well as the recovery from the myopic state. 2-D Differential in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) was used in conjunction with Mass Spectrometry (MS) to identify proteins that were differentially expressed in the retina/choroid complex.
Results: :
Treated fish eyes showed significant amounts of induced myopia. Two- dimensional Differential in Gel Electrophoresis (2D DIGE) was performed to isolate proteins that were differentially expressed in myopic retina and choroid tissues versus untreated tissues. A total of 38 isolated protein spots had statistically significant differential expression over the course of the experiment. Eight of the differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry.
Conclusions: :
The use of a proteomic screening protocol has identified potential myopia related targets and provided insight into the molecular mechanisms of myopia. It was found that creatine kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase b showed promise as metabolic biomolecules involved in the process of myopic development. Further characterization is currently in progress.
Keywords: myopia • proteomics • retina