Gap Junctional Versus Paracrine Signaling in the Human Lens Epithelium: Analysis Based on Multicellular Ca²⁺ Imaging and Computational Modeling.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Effective intercellular communication among lens epithelial cells (LECs) is essential for lens homeostasis, and its disruption has been implicated in cataract formation. This study investigates the mechanisms of calcium (Ca²⁺) wave propagation in the human lens epithelium, focusing on the respective roles of gap-junctional coupling and ATP-mediated paracrine signaling.

Methods

We performed multicellular Ca²⁺ imaging on human postoperative anterior lens capsule preparations obtained from cataractous lenses during cataract surgery which retained intact monolayers containing viable LECs. Mechanically induced Ca²⁺ waves were recorded, and the contribution of specific signaling pathways was evaluated by pharmacological intervention using apyrase (an ATP-hydrolyzing enzyme

SUBMITTER: Sterk M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637001 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature