Overexpression of HTRA1 leads to ultrastructural changes in the elastic layer of Bruch's membrane via cleavage of extracellular matrix components.

ABSTRACT: Variants in the chromosomal region 10q26 are strongly associated with an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Two potential AMD genes are located in this region: ARMS2 and HTRA1 (high-temperature requirement A1). Previous studies have suggested that polymorphisms in the promotor region of HTRA1 result in overexpression of HTRA1 protein. This study investigated the role of HTRA1 overexpression in the pathogenesis of AMD. Transgenic Htra1 mice overexpressing the murine protein in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer of the retina were generated and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot analysis. The elastic layer of Bruch's membrane (BM) in the Htra1 transgenic mice was fragmented and less continuous than i

SUBMITTER: Vierkotten S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149070 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature