Identification and spatial analysis of metallothioneins expressed by the adult human lens.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a large family of proteins involved in multiple protective pathways including binding of toxic metals, free radical scavenging, and oxidative stress. Increased expression of the MT IIA gene in age-related cataractous relative to normal human lenses, suggesting a role for MTs in the maintenance of lens transparency, has previously been detected. The MT family consists of many closely related isoforms grouped into four classes (I-IV). As a first step toward defining the function of MTs in the lens, the range and expression patterns of those MT isoforms expressed by the adult human lens were established.

Methods

Normal human lenses were microdissected into epithelia and fiber cells. Primers specific for individual MT isoforms were designed. MT

SUBMITTER: Oppermann B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2957813 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature