Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To determine if human trabecular meshwork cells and ciliary body epithelial cells present MUC1 mucin Methods:MUC1 mRNA expression was observed by RT-PCR in these cells. Identification and characterization of human MUC1 protein were carried out by using immunoblotting and imunohistchemistry in the human trabecular meshwork cells and ciliary body epithelial cells. The effect of steroid on the expression of MUC1 gene was determined in those cells. The dexamethasone (10-7 M, 10-8 M, 10-9 M) on MUC1 mRNA and protein levels were examined by adding it to the incubation medium for 5 days. Results:The expected 368bp band designed to cover 3’ region of MUC1 gene were detected in RT-PCR analysis but negative control has not shown this band. Human MUC1 protein was detected on the higher range of ≷200 kDa in western blot analysis using HMFG-1 antibody, a human MUC1 monoclonal antibody. RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistocemstry of MUC1 did not show significant difference from the culture with or without steroid. Conclusion:In this study, we found the presence of human MUC1 mucin in trabecular meshwork and ciliary body epithelial cells. Even though the human trabecular meshwork and nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells have steroid receptors and MUC 1 has a glucocortoid regulatory element, dexamethasone did not affect the MUC1 production in those cells.
Keywords: 601 trabecular meshwork • 348 ciliary body • 421 glycoconjugates/glycoproteins