Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:Galectins are a family of carbohydrate binding proteins involved in a variety of biological processes including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. We examined galectin-1 and galectin-3 to determine if galectins are expressed in the human trabecular meshwork. Methods:Galectin-1 and galectin-3 expression was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis in human trabecular meshwork. Cultured human trabecular meshwork cells treated with and without dexamethasome were analyzed by Northern blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry of galectin-1 and galectin-3 was analyzed in normal and glaucomatous tissue. Myocilin was used as a comparative control. Results:Galectin-1 and galectin-3 were found throughout the trabecular meshwork in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. In addition, both galectin-1 and galectin-3 were found in the cells lining Schlemm's canal. In cultured trabecular meshwork cells, galectin-1 and galectin-3 are slightly downregulated by dexamethasome. In contrast, myocilin expression was increased in dexamethasome treated cells. Conclusion:Galectin-1 and galectin-3 are present in human trabecular meshwork. These proteins may be involved in cellular or extracellular matrix organization through their potential interactions with glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans.
Keywords: 601 trabecular meshwork • 476 molecular biology • 417 gene/expression