Prion protein modulates iron transport in the anterior segment: Implications for ocular iron homeostasis and prion transmission.

ABSTRACT: Iron is an essential biometal in the aqueous humor, the principal source of nutrients for the avascular cornea and the lens. Here, we explored whether the ciliary body (CB), the source of aqueous humor, transports iron, and if the prion protein (PrP^C) facilitates this process as in the outer retina. Using a combination of human, bovine, and mouse eyes as models, we report the expression of iron export proteins ferroportin and ceruloplasmin, and major iron uptake and storage proteins transferrin, transferrin receptor, and ferritin in the ciliary epithelium, indicating active exchange of iron at this site. Ferroportin and transferrin receptor are also expressed in the corneal endothelium. However, the relative expression of iron export and uptake proteins suggests export from the

SUBMITTER: Ashok A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6167182 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature