A role for epha2 in cell migration and refractive organization of the ocular lens.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The Epha2 receptor is a surprisingly abundant component of the membrane proteome of vertebrate lenses. In humans, genetic studies have linked mutations in EPHA2 to inherited and age-related forms of cataract, but the function of Epha2 in the lens is obscure. To gain insights into the role of Epha2, a comparative analysis of lenses from wild-type and Epha2(-/-) mice was performed.

Methods

Epha2 distribution was examined using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Lens optical quality was assessed by laser refractometry. Confocal microscopy was used to analyze cellular phenotypes.

Results

In wild-type lenses, Epha2 was expressed by lens epithelial cells and elongating fibers but was degraded during the later stages of fiber differentiation. Epha2-null l

SUBMITTER: Shi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3317406 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature