Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Recently, mutations in connexins (gap junction proteins) have been implicated in a number of ectodermal dysplasias which frequently have associated ocular surface disease. The current study evaluated the expression of gap junction proteins in the mouse corneal epithelium under normal and wound healing conditions. Methods: The expression of the connexins 26, 30, and 43 were evaluated in 6 week old FVB normal mice by immunohistochemisty, western blot, and RT–PCR. For wound healing studies, a 1.5 mm diameter central corneal abrasion was created. Results: On immunohistochemistry connexins 26 and 30 were found to be expressed in the basal and intermediate layers of the corneal epithelium while connexin 43 was limited mostly to the basal layer. The expression of all three types of connexin was lower in the limbal region compared to the central cornea. The expression of all three connexins was increased at 12 and 24 hours after corneal abrasion. Current studies are evaluating the expression at later time points as well as the expression of other connexins, namely, connexins 31 and 31.1. Conclusions: These results demonstrate similarities and differences in the expression patterns of the three connexins examined. In particular, the expression of connexins 26 and 30 appear to be quite similar and distinct from connexin 43. Future studies are needed to determine whether connexins 26 and connexin 30 are co–regulated in the corneal epithelium.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • cell adhesions/cell junctions • gap junctions/coupling