Function of planar cell polarity in lens development / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Regarded as a complex biological process, lens development involves a range of signal molecules and their crosstalk networks. Recently,the role of planar cell polarity(PCP)signaling pathway in lens development has attracted increasing attention. It has been reported that PCP is critical for lens morphology and transparency maintaining. The studies performed on PCP serve to provide guidelines on how to optimize the morphology of regenerated lens. This is thought as presenting an effective therapy for infant cataract from a clinical perspective. This article will give a comprehensive review of the role of PCP signaling pathways in the lens development.

Lens Characterization of Genus Zacco and Pseudogobio in Korean Fish / 체질인류학회지

There are many modifications of eye shape and structure among fish, the general plan is similar throughout. This study was performed to comparative investigation for the lens shape and the interlocking pattern of lens fiber in genus Zacco (Z. temmincki and Z. platypus) and Pseudogobio (P. esocinus). The equatorial and axis diameter of lens for the classification of lens shape were measured by micrometer. And the interlocking patterns of lens fibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The lens shapes of Z. platypus and Z. temmincki were spherical (axis /equqtorial diameter = 1), but the lens shape of P. esocinus was subspherical type (axis / equqtorial diameter = 0.87). The interlocking patterns of lens fibers showed that Z. temmincki have an "anchor and socket" connection, Z. platy-pus have a "ball and socket" connection, and P. esocinus have a "rod and socket" connection. The results of this study may be utilized in the taxonomic keys for the classification of fish.

Differentiation and Transdifferentiation of Lens Epithelial Cells in Capsular Bag Model Culture

PURPOSE: To investigate the differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) to lens fiber, and the transdifferentiation of LECs to fibroblast in capsular bag culture. METHODS: After observing the changes of LECs by using phase-contrast microscopy, we observed a cross section of capsular bag by using light microscope (LM) and electron microscope (EM). In addition, the expressions of alpha A-crystallin, a marker of differentiation of LEC to lens fiber, and of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker of LEC to fibroblast, were examined during the culture period by western blot. RESULTS: On phase-contrast microscopy, 7 to 14 days after culture, the portion of LECs was gradually elongated and cytoplasm became transparent, so that the differentiation resembled lens fiber. One to 7 days after culture, the portion of LECs changed to spindle shape and the transdifferentiation resembled fibroblast. LM and EM observations indicated that changes of each LEC were lens fiber, and fibroblast. According to Western blot, the expression of alpha A-crystallin was increased by 10 days after culture. The alpha-smooth muscle actin showed an increased expression 10 to 30 days after culture. CONCLUSIONS: From the capsular bag model, we observed the resemblances of the differentiation and transdifferentiation of LECs with lens fiber and fibroblast.

The Effect of Lens Nucleus and Cortex Material on Lens Epithelial Cell Culture through In vitro Capsular Bag Model

PURPOSE: This study attempts to evaluate the effect of lens cortex and nucleus remnants on posterior capsular opacification with method of the cell culture according to in vitro capsular bag model. METHODS: After bovine lens were isolated, we performed continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and hydrodissectioin of the lens fiber mass. At this stage a tension ring was implanted and then the preparations placed in organ culture for up to 6 weeks. Lens cortex and nucleus material was added at the culture media in group 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with amount of 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/96, 1/128 of one lens volume. Group 1 was control group that was not added lens materials. Cell coverage of the posterior lens capsule was recorded and the capsules were examined, both pre-and post-coverage, for proliferative activity. RESULTS: After a lag period outgrowth was observed across the posterior capsule. The proliferative activity was greater at the groups that were added more amount of the lens cortex and nucleus material. CONCLUSIONS: it is important that we should not remain any lens cortex material remnant at cataract surgery.