Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Transcription factor Sp1 has been found to be upregulated in keratoconus, a thinning corneal disease. The aim of this study is to examine the expression of transcription factor Sp1 during the mouse development, especially in the developing cornea. Methods: C57BL6 mice were set up for timed mating. Embryos on days 12.5, 15.5, and 18.5 of the pregnancy and tissues from mice at birth, and on postnatal days 7, 11, and 30 were collected, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and processed for paraffin sections. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a polyclonal anti-Sp1 antibody and alkaline phosphatase-conjugated secondary antibody. A digoxigenin-labeled DNA probe was prepared and in situ hybridization experiments were carried out to detect the Sp1 transcript. Results: Sp1 expression was observed by both immunostaining and in situ hybridization in the cornea throughout the developmental stages examined. The protein and mRNA levels of Sp1 in the cornea appeared to gradually increase during the fetal development, and peaked at birth. The Sp1 expression subsequently declined to a low level on postnatal day 30 in the mouse cornea. Conclusion: Variation in the temporal expression of Sp1 in the developing mouse cornea was observed. This transcription factor may play a regulatory role during the course of corneal development.
Keywords: 370 cornea: basic science • 605 transcription factors • 443 in situ hybridization