Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To eaxamine the expression and distribution of the novel Ras effector protein Nore1 in ocular tissues. Methods: Whole eyes were enucleated from adult rabbits and the cornea, iris, lens, retina, choroid and optic nerve tissues were dissected and homogenized in lysis buffer containing a coctail of protease inhibitors. Equal amount of protein lysate were eletrophoresed using standard SDS-PAGE system and subsequently the proteins were transfered onto PVDF membranes. Western blotting was performed with an antibody raised against GST-Nore1 fusion protein that had been affinity purified using recombinant Nore1. Results: A major immunoreactive band of 45 kDa size was identified in most ocular tissues with the exception of lens. Highest levels were observed in the choroid, where also a ∼110 kDa and ∼26 kDa bands were seen. Retina had the least immunoreactivity. Conclusion: Nore1, the first member of a novel family of Ras effectors that seem to be involved in apoptosis is likely expressed in ocular tissues. More studies are under way to more precise characterize its presence and function in the eye.
Keywords: 434 immunohistochemistry • 315 anatomy • 417 gene/expression