We have located links that may give you full text access.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
RESEARCH SUPPORT, NON-U.S. GOV'T
Role of transforming growth factor-beta in transdifferentiation and fibrosis of lens epithelial cells.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 1999 August
PURPOSE: To determine the levels of mRNAs encoding markers of fibrosis in lens epithelial cells (LECs) from patients with anterior polar cataracts and to test whether transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta enhances the expression of mRNAs for mesenchymal markers in LECs.
METHODS: LECs attached to the anterior capsules of patients with nuclear or anterior polar cataracts were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the expression of mRNAs encoding pathologic extracellular matrix proteins, a marker of myofibroblast transformation, growth factors, and growth factor receptors, and by western blot analysis for the proteins encoded by these mRNAs. Bovine lens epithelial explants and intact rabbit lenses cultured with or without TGF-beta1 were also subjected to RT-PCR and western blot analysis.
RESULTS: The levels of fibronectin, type I collagen, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) mRNAs were higher in LECs from patients with anterior polar cataracts than in those from patients with nuclear cataracts. Expression of mRNAs for TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta receptor type II, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was significantly greater in anterior polar type than in nuclear type cataracts. In contrast, expression of mRNAs for epidermal growth factor (EGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, and FGF receptor-1 was similar in LECs from the two types of cataracts. TGF-beta1 markedly increased the levels of fibronectin, type I collagen, and alpha-SMA mRNA in bovine lens epithelial explants and intact rabbit lenses.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first finding showing altered mRNA expression in LECs from anterior polar cataracts. Enhanced expression of TGF-beta and the TGF-beta receptor suggests that TGF-beta derived from LECs may function in an autocrine fashion as the prime mediator of transdifferentiation and pathogenesis in human LECs. Elevated levels of CTGF mRNA suggest that this growth factor may play a role in the increased deposition of extracellular matrix in metaplastic LECs.
METHODS: LECs attached to the anterior capsules of patients with nuclear or anterior polar cataracts were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the expression of mRNAs encoding pathologic extracellular matrix proteins, a marker of myofibroblast transformation, growth factors, and growth factor receptors, and by western blot analysis for the proteins encoded by these mRNAs. Bovine lens epithelial explants and intact rabbit lenses cultured with or without TGF-beta1 were also subjected to RT-PCR and western blot analysis.
RESULTS: The levels of fibronectin, type I collagen, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) mRNAs were higher in LECs from patients with anterior polar cataracts than in those from patients with nuclear cataracts. Expression of mRNAs for TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta receptor type II, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was significantly greater in anterior polar type than in nuclear type cataracts. In contrast, expression of mRNAs for epidermal growth factor (EGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, and FGF receptor-1 was similar in LECs from the two types of cataracts. TGF-beta1 markedly increased the levels of fibronectin, type I collagen, and alpha-SMA mRNA in bovine lens epithelial explants and intact rabbit lenses.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first finding showing altered mRNA expression in LECs from anterior polar cataracts. Enhanced expression of TGF-beta and the TGF-beta receptor suggests that TGF-beta derived from LECs may function in an autocrine fashion as the prime mediator of transdifferentiation and pathogenesis in human LECs. Elevated levels of CTGF mRNA suggest that this growth factor may play a role in the increased deposition of extracellular matrix in metaplastic LECs.
Full text links
Trending Papers
A Personalized Approach to the Management of Congestion in Acute Heart Failure.Heart International 2023
Potential Mechanisms of the Protective Effects of the Cardiometabolic Drugs Type-2 Sodium-Glucose Transporter Inhibitors and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Heart Failure.International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2024 Februrary 21
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app