Ameliorative Influence of Dietary Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seeds and Onion (Allium cepa) on Eye Lens Abnormalities via Modulation of Crystallin Proteins and Polyol Pathway in Experimental Diabetes.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: Hyperglycemia-induced osmotic and oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes-related secondary complications including cataract. In continuation of our previous observation of the ameliorative influence of these spices on hyperglycemia, attendant metabolic abnormalities, and oxidative stress in tissues of diabetic rats, the beneficial influence of dietary (10%) fenugreek seeds, (3%) onion, or their combination was investigated on diabetes-induced alteration in the eye lens of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: Animals maintained on these spices showed significantly countered oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl), advanced glycation end products, and expression of their receptor in the eye lens. Increased activity of polyol pathway enzymes, their protein, and mRNA expression was significantly countered in the cataractogenic lens as a result of these dietary interventions. Altered crystallin (αA and αB) distribution profile, their expression, activity of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, and antioxidant status were significantly annulled by these dietary treatments. Physical and visual observation of the photomicrographs of the lenses of treated rats indicated that these dietary interventions delayed cataractogenesis in diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present investigation evidenced a beneficial modulation of the progression of cataractogenesis by dietary fenugreek seeds and onion, implicating their potential in ameliorating cataract in diabetics.

Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 and crystallin lambda 1 are cadmium-responsive genes in zebrafish embryos and adults retinae.

Nonessential metal cadmium is widely used and released in the environment, causing cell toxicity and posing a severe threat to wildlife. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most commonly used animals in the investigation of environmental cadmium toxicity in vertebrates. In this study, we identified two cadmium-responsive genes, RBBP6 and CRYL1, in the early phases of zebrafish development, at the gastrula stage. The retinoblastoma binding protein 6 is associated with increased protein degradation and cell proliferation; crystallin-lambda 1 is a lens protein with redox activity. In situ hybridization analysis performed on adult zebrafish exposed to 1.5-40 µM cadmium for 30 days confirmed the ability of cadmium to up-regulate the expression of both genes in retinal cells in a dose-dependent manner. The over-expression was transient, being switched off when cadmium was removed. The involvement of RBBP6 and CRYL1 in the onset of cadmium-induced morphological alterations in adult zebrafish retina is discussed.

Heat shock factor 1 induces crystallin-αB to protect against cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Cisplatin, a wildly used chemotherapy drug, induces nephrotoxicity that is characterized by renal tubular cell apoptosis. In response to toxicity, tubular cells can activate cytoprotective mechanisms, such as the heat shock response. However, the role and regulation of the heat shock response in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity remain largely unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated the induction of heat shock factor (Hsf)1 and the small heat shock protein crystallin-αB (CryAB) during cisplatin nephrotoxicity in mice. Consistently, cisplatin induced Hsf1 and CryAB in a cultured renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs). RPTCs underwent apoptosis during cisplatin treatment, which was increased when Hsf1 was knocked down. Transfection or restoration of Hsf1 into Hsf1 knockdown cells suppressed cisplatin-induced apoptosis, further supporting a cytoprotective role of Hsf1 and its associated heat shock response. Moreover, Hsf1 knockdown increased Bax translocation to mitochondria and cytochrome c release into the cytosol. In RPTCs, Hsf1 knockdown led to a specific downregulation of CryAB. Transfection of CryAB into Hsf1 knockdown cells diminished their sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis, suggesting that CryAB may be a key mediator of the cytoprotective effect of Hsf1. Taken together, these results demonstrate a heat shock response in cisplatin nephrotoxicity that is mediated by Hsf1 and CryAB to protect tubular cells against apoptosis.

Regulation of c-Maf and αA-Crystallin in Ocular Lens by Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling regulates a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation. In the vertebrate lens, FGF signaling regulates fiber cell differentiation characterized by high expression of crystallin proteins. However, a direct link between FGF signaling and crystallin gene transcriptional machinery remains to be established. Previously, we have shown that the bZIP proto-oncogene c-Maf regulates expression of αA-crystallin (Cryaa) through binding to its promoter and distal enhancer, DCR1, both activated by FGF2 in cell culture. Herein, we identified and characterized a novel FGF2-responsive region in the c-Maf promoter (-272/-70, FRE). Both c-Maf and Cryaa regulatory regions contain arrays of AP-1 and Ets-binding sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays established binding of c-Jun (an AP-1 factor) and Etv5/ERM (an Ets factor) to these regions in lens chromatin. Analysis of temporal and spatial expression of c-Jun, phospho-c-Jun, and Etv5/ERM in wild type and ERK1/2 deficient lenses supports their roles as nuclear effectors of FGF signaling in mouse embryonic lens. Collectively, these studies show that FGF signaling up-regulates expression of αA-crystallin both directly and indirectly via up-regulation of c-Maf. These molecular mechanisms are applicable for other crystallins and genes highly expressed in terminally differentiated lens fibers.

Comprehensive Corticospinal Labeling with mu-crystallin Transgene Reveals Axon Regeneration after Spinal Cord Trauma in ngr1-/- Mice.

Spinal cord injury interrupts descending motor tracts and creates persistent functional deficits due to the absence of spontaneous axon regeneration. Of descending pathways, the corticospinal tract (CST) is thought to be the most critical for voluntary function in primates. Even with multiple tracer injections and genetic tools, the CST is visualized to only a minor degree in experimental studies. Here, we identify and validate the mu-crystallin (crym) gene as a high-fidelity marker of the CST. In transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under crym regulatory elements (crym-GFP), comprehensive and near complete CST labeling is achieved throughout the spinal cord. Bilateral pyramidotomy eliminated the 17,000 GFP-positive CST axons that were reproducibly labeled in brainstem from the spinal cord. We show that CST tracing with crym-GFP is 10-fold more efficient than tracing with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA). Using crym-GFP, we reevaluated the CST in mice lacking nogo receptor 1 (NgR1), a protein implicated in limiting neural repair. The number and trajectory of CST axons in ngr1(-/-) mice without injury was indistinguishable from ngr1(+/+) mice. After dorsal hemisection in the midthoracic cord, CST axons did not significantly regenerate in ngr1(+/+) mice, but an average of 162 of the 6000 labeled thoracic CST axons (2.68%) regenerated >100 µm past the lesion site in crym-GFP ngr1(-/-) mice. Although traditional BDA tracing cannot reliably visualize regenerating ngr1(-/-) CST axons, their regenerative course is clear with crym-GFP. Therefore the crym-GFP transgenic mouse is a useful tool for studies of CST anatomy in experimental studies of motor pathways. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Axon regeneration fails in the adult CNS, resulting in permanent functional deficits. Traditionally, inefficient extrinsic tracers such a biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) are used to label regenerating fibers after therapeutic intervention. We introduce crym-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice as a comprehensive and specific tool with which to study the primary descending motor tract, the corticospinal tract (CST). CST labeling with crym-GFP is 10 times more efficient compared with BDA. The enhanced sensitivity afforded by crym-GFP revealed significant CST regeneration in NgR1 knock-out mice. Therefore, crym-GFP can be used as a standardized tool for future CST spinal cord injury studies.

Old proteins and the Achilles heel of mass spectrometry. The role of proteomics in the etiology of human cataract.

Proteomics may have enabled the root cause of a major human-blinding condition, age-related cataract, to be established. Cataract appears to result from the spontaneous decomposition of long-lived macromolecules in the human lens, and recent proteomic analysis has enabled both the particular crystallins, and the specific sites of amino acid modification within each polypeptide, to be identified. Analysis of proteins from cataract lenses has demonstrated that there are key sites on some structural proteins that show a consistently greater degree of deterioration than age-matched normal lenses. Proteomic analysis, using MS, revealed that the most abundant posttranslational modification of aged lens proteins is racemization. This is somewhat ironic, since structural isomers can be viewed as the "Achilles heel" of MS and there are typically few, if any, differences in the MS/MS spectra of tryptic peptides containing one d-amino acid. It is proposed that once a certain level of spontaneous PTM at key sites occurs, that protein-protein interactions are disrupted, and binding of complexes to cell membranes takes place that impairs cell-to-cell communication. These findings may apply more widely to age-related human diseases, in particular where the deterioration of long-lived proteins is a crucial component in the etiology.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced cataract in mice: the effect of age and the potential biochemical mechanism.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of age on the morphologic and biochemical alterations induced by in vivo exposure of ultraviolet radiation (UV). METHODS: Young and old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to broadband UVB+UVA and euthanized after 2 days. Another batch of UV-exposed young mice was monitored for changes after 1, 2, 4, and 8 days. Age-matched nonexposed mice served as controls. Lens changes were documented in vivo by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and dark field microscopy photographs ex vivo. Lens homogenates were analyzed for glutathione (GSH) level, and the activities of thioredoxin (Trx), thioltransferase (TTase), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD). Glutathionylated lens proteins (PSSGs) were detected by immunoblotting using GSH antibody. Western blot analysis was also done for the expression levels of TTase and Trx. RESULTS: Both age groups developed epithelial and superficial anterior subcapsular cataract at 2 days postexposure. The lens GSH level and G3PD activity were decreased, and PSSGs were elevated in both age groups, but more prominent in the older mice. TTase and Trx activity and protein expression were elevated only in the young mice. Interestingly, lens TTase and Trx in the young mice showed a transient increase, peaking at 2 days after UV exposure and returning to baseline at day 8, corroborated by lens transparency. CONCLUSIONS: The lenses of old mice were more susceptible to UV radiation-induced cataract. The upregulated TTase and Trx likely provided oxidation damage repair in the young mice.

Loss of Msx2 function down-regulates the FoxE3 expression and results in anterior segment dysgenesis resembling Peters anomaly.

Complex molecular interactions dictate the developmental steps that lead to a mature and functional cornea and lens. Peters anomaly is one subtype of anterior segment dysgenesis especially due to abnormal development of the cornea and lens. MSX2 was recently implicated as a potential gene that is critical for anterior segment development. However, the role of MSX2 within the complex mechanisms of eye development remains elusive. Our present study observed the morphologic changes in conventional Msx2 knockout (KO) mice and found phenotypes consistent with Peters anomaly and microphthalmia seen in humans. The role of Msx2 in cornea and lens development was further investigated using IHC, in situ hybridization, and quantification of proliferative and apoptotic lens cells. Loss of Msx2 down-regulated FoxE3 expression and up-regulated Prox1 and crystallin expression in the lens. The FoxE3 and Prox1 malfunction and precocious Prox1 and crystallin expression contribute to a disturbed lens cell cycle in lens vesicles and eventually to cornea-lentoid adhesions and microphthalmia in Msx2 KO mice. The observed changes in the expression of FoxE3 suggest that Msx2 is an important contributor in controlling transcription of target genes critical for early eye development. These results provide the first direct genetic evidence of the involvement of MSX2 in Peters anomaly and the distinct function of MSX2 in regulating the growth and development of lens vesicles.

Myofibroblast differentiation modulates keratocyte crystallin protein expression, concentration, and cellular light scattering.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether myofibroblast differentiation altered keratocyte crystallin protein concentration and increased cellular light scattering. METHODS: Serum-free cultured rabbit corneal keratocytes and TGFß (5 ng/mL) induced myofibroblasts were harvested and counted and protein/RNA extracted. Expression of myofibroblast and keratocyte markers was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The cell volume of calcein AM-loaded keratocytes and myofibroblasts was determined by using nonlinear optical microscopy. Cellular light scattering of transformed myofibroblasts expressing human keratocyte crystallins was measured by reflectance confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Differentiated myofibroblasts showed a significant decrease in RNA levels for the keratocyte markers ALDH1A1, lumican, and keratocan and a significant increase in the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin. Volumetric and protein measurements showed that myofibroblast differentiation significantly increased cytoplasmic volume (293%; P < 0.001) and water-soluble and -insoluble protein content per cell (respectively, 442% and 431%; P < 0.002) compared to keratocytes. Western blot analysis showed that the level of ALDH1A1 protein per cell was similar between myofibroblasts and keratocytes, but was substantially reduced as a percentage of total water-soluble protein. Light scattering measurements showed that induced expression of corneal crystallins significantly decreased light scattering. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that myofibroblast differentiation leads to a marked increase in cell volume and dilution of corneal crystallins associated with an increase in cellular light scattering.

Transdifferentiation from cornea to lens in Xenopus laevis depends on BMP signalling and involves upregulation of Wnt signalling.

BACKGROUND: Surgical removal of the lens from larval Xenopus laevis results in a rapid transdifferention of central corneal cells to form a new lens. The trigger for this process is understood to be an induction event arising from the unprecedented exposure of the cornea to the vitreous humour that occurs following lens removal. The molecular identity of this trigger is unknown. RESULTS: Here, we have used a functional transgenic approach to show that BMP signalling is required for lens regeneration and a microarray approach to identify genes that are upregulated specifically during this process. Analysis of the array data strongly implicates Wnt signalling and the Pitx family of transcription factors in the process of cornea to lens transdifferentiation. Our analysis also captured several genes associated with congenital cataract in humans. Pluripotency genes, in contrast, were not upregulated, supporting the idea that corneal cells transdifferentiate without returning to a stem cell state. Several genes from the array were expressed in the forming lens during embryogenesis. One of these, Nipsnap1, is a known direct target of BMP signalling. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly implicate the developmental Wnt and BMP signalling pathways in the process of cornea to lens transdifferentiation (CLT) in Xenopus, and suggest direct transdifferentiation between these two anterior eye tissues.

Reduced CRYL1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma confers cell growth advantages and correlates with adverse patient prognosis.

Homozygous deletion screening has been widely utilized to define tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) in cancers. Although these biallelic deletions are infrequent, their identification has facilitated the discovery of many important TSGs. We have systematically examined the genome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly malignant tumour that is rapidly fatal, for the presence of homozygous deletions. Array-CGH analysis on early passage of HCC cultures and cell lines led us to identify six homozygous deleted (HD) regions. A high concordance between array-CGH and expression of HD genes was demonstrated, where crystallin Lambda1 (CRYL1; located on chromosome 13q12.11) displayed the most frequent down-regulation. We found that reduced mRNA expression of CRYL1 was common in HCC tumours when compared with their adjacent non-tumoural liver (p = 0.0097). Significant associations could also be drawn between repressed CRYL1 and advanced tumour staging, increased tumour size, and shorter disease-free survival of patients (p < 0.037). Moreover, homozygous deletions on CRYL1 could be detected in 36% of HCC cases, where recurrent HDs were identified on exons 1, 5, and 8. Examination of other causal events suggested histone deacetylation and promoter hypermethylation to be likely inactivating mechanisms as well. Re-expression of CRYL1 in the SK-Hep1 cell line, where biallelic loss of CRYL1 was found, induced profound inhibition of cellular proliferation and cell growth (p < 0.0015). By Annexin V staining, CRYL1 restoration readily increased pro-apoptotic cells with an induction of PARP cleavage. Flow cytometry further revealed that CRYL1 could prolong the G(2)-M phase, possibly through interruption of the Cdc2/cyclin B pathway. Given that regional chromosome 13q12-q14 loss is a causal genomic event in HCC tumourigenesis, our finding may have implications for identifying a novel TSG CRYL1 within this important locus.

Hyperglycemia induces elevated expression of thyroid hormone binding protein in vivo in kidney and heart and in vitro in mesangial cells.

During a search for glucose-regulated abundant mRNAs in the diabetic rat kidney, we cloned thyroid hormone binding protein (THBP), also known as mu-crystallin or CRYM. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia/high glucose on the expression of THBP. THBP mRNA copy numbers were determined in kidneys and hearts of diabetic GK rats vs normoglycemic Wistar rats, and in human mesangial cells (HMCs) exposed to high glucose using real-time qPCR, and THBP protein levels were measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Intracellular ROS was measured in THBP transfected cells using DCF fluorescence. Hyperglycemia significantly increased THBP mRNA in GK rat kidneys (326+/-50 vs 147+/-54, p<0.05), and hearts (1583+/-277 vs 191+/-63, p<0.05). Moreover, the levels of THBP mRNA increased with age and hyperglycemia in GK rat kidneys, whereas in normoglycemic Wistar rat kidneys there was a decline with age. High glucose significantly increased THBP mRNA (92+/-37 vs 18+/-4, p<0.005), and protein in HMCs. The expression of THBP as a fusion protein in transfected HMCs resulted in reduction of glucose-induced intracellular ROS. We have shown that THBP mRNA is increased in diabetic kidney and heart, is regulated by high glucose in renal cells, and appears to attenuate glucose-induced intracellular ROS. These data suggest that THBP may be involved in the cellular pathways activated in response to glucose. This is the first report linking hyperglycemia with THBP and suggests that the role of THBP in diabetic complications should be further investigated.

Apoptosis gene profiling reveals spatio-temporal regulated expression of the p53/Mdm2 pathway during lens development.

Evidence is emerging for apoptosis gene expression in the lens during development. Therefore, here we used a filter array to assess expression of 243 apoptosis-related genes in the developing postnatal mouse lens using (33)P labelled cDNA synthesized from p7 and p14 mouse lenses. We demonstrated that 161 apoptosis-related genes were expressed at levels significantly above background and 20 genes were potentially significantly differentially expressed (P<0.05) by at least 2-fold between p7 and p14. We used RT-PCR to confirm expression of these genes in newborn, p7, p14 and 4 wk mouse lens cDNA samples. Expression of 19/20 of the genes examined was confirmed, while 5 genes (Huntingtin, Mdm2, Dffa, galectin-3 and Mcl-1) were confirmed as differentially regulated between p7 and p14. RT-PCR was also used to examine the expression of the chick homologues of the most-highly expressed and/or potentially differentially regulated genes in chick embryo lenses at E6-E16. The majority of genes expressed in the postnatal mouse lens were also expressed in the chick embryo lens. Western blotting confirmed developmentally regulated expression of Axl and Mcl-1 during mouse lens development and of Mdm2, Mdm4/X and p53 during mouse and chick lens development. Western blotting also revealed the presence of p53 and Mdm4/X splice variants and/or proteolytic cleavage products in the developing lens. Since Mdm2 is a regulator of the tumour suppressor gene p53, we chose to thoroughly investigate the spatio-temporal expression patterns of p53, Mdm2 and the functionally related Mdm4/X in mouse lens development at E12.5-E16.5 using immunocytochemistry. We also examined Mdm2 expression patterns during chick lens development at E6-E16 and Mdm4/X and p53 at E14. Expression of Mdm2, Mdm4/X and p53 was spatio-temporally regulated in various compartments of the developing lens in both mouse and chick, including lens epithelial and lens fibre cells, indicating potential roles for these factors in regulation of lens epithelial cell proliferation and/or lens fibre cell differentiation This study provides a thorough initial analysis of apoptosis gene expression in the postnatal mouse lens and provides a resource for further investigation of the roles in lens development of the apoptosis genes identified. Furthermore, building on the array studies, we present the first spatio-temporal analysis of expression of p53 pathway molecules (p53, Mdm2 and Mdm4/X) in both developing mouse and chick lenses, suggesting a potential role for the p53/Mdm2 pathway in lens development, which merits further functional analysis.

Identification of mu-crystallin as an androgen-regulated gene in human prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is implicated in prostate cancer progression. Therefore, identification of AR downstream genes is potentially important for selection of novel markers and therapy targets in prostate cancer. METHODS: Expression of a thyroid hormone T3-binding protein mu-crystallin (CRYM) mRNA and protein in cell lines was evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. CRYM expression in vivo was analyzed in patients' samples by immunohistochemistry. The effects of androgen and T3 on proliferation of MDA PCa 2b cells were assessed by (3)H-thymidine uptake assay. RESULTS: CRYM expression was detected in AR-positive LNCaP and MDA PCa 2b cells. In MDA PCA 2b cells, CRYM was regulated by androgens. Androgen-induced CRYM expression was diminished by antiandrogens or AR siRNA. Inhibition of transcription by alpha-amanitin caused a reduction in CRYM mRNA. The lack of CRYM expression was noted in LAPC-4 cells and in AR-negative prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145. CRYM protein was increased in cancer tissue and decreased in samples from patients after hormonal therapy. In samples from patients with therapy-refractory cancer CRYM was not detectable. We also found that androgens and T3 have additive effects on stimulation of MDA PCa 2b cells proliferation. CONCLUSION: CRYM is a novel androgen-regulated gene whose expression is elevated in prostate cancer but down-regulated in castration therapy-resistant tumors.

Genistein inhibits aldose reductase activity and high glucose-induced TGF-beta2 expression in human lens epithelial cells.

Aldose reductase (AR) and TGF-beta have been implicated in the development of diabetic complications, such as cataracts. In an attempt to obtain potential agents for the prevention of diabetic cataracts from natural products, we purified genistein from the roots of Pueraria lobata and investigated its inhibitory effects upon AR activity and its antioxidant effects on rat lenses. The inhibition of AR activity by genistein increased in a dose-dependent manner and the opacities of lenses were significantly improved when treated with genistein. In addition, we determined the effects of genistein on mechanisms induced by exposure to high glucose in human lens epithelial (HLE-B3) cells. We found that genistein was able to reduce the expression of TGF-beta2, alphaB-crystallin, and fibronectin mRNAs in HLE-B3 cells that were cultured in high glucose conditions. In addition, a reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels and thiobarbituratic acid-reactive substances was observed. These results show that genistein is protective against lens opacity and also inhibits high glucose-mediated toxic effects in HLE-B3 cells. These effects are likely achieved by preventing AR and cellular oxidation; therefore, genistein may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating complications associated with diabetes mellitus, such as diabetic cataracts.

Overexpression, on-column refolding and isotopic labeling of Hahellin from Hahella chejuensis, a putative member of the betagamma-crystallin superfamily.

A gene which encodes a hypothetical protein of 40 kDa has been identified in the genome of a marine bacterium Hahella chejuensis, as a putative member of betagamma-crystallin superfamily. This hypothetical protein contains a putative betagamma-crystallin-like domain, along with other domains for carbohydrate binding regions. It is named as Hahellin. A PCR amplified stretch of 92-amino acid residue long protein was cloned into pET21a vector and overexpressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21(DE3)pLysS cells. The recombinant Hahellin, produced as inclusion bodies, was estimated to be around 50% of the total cellular protein content which was solubilized in 8 M urea. The protein was purified and refolded using an anion exchange column. The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed the purity and monomeric nature of the protein. Further, a method to prepare isotopically (15N/13C) labeled protein with high yield for NMR studies is reported. The uniformly 15N-labeled Hahellin thus produced has been characterized by recording a sensitivity enhanced 2D [15N]-[1H] HSQC spectrum. The well, dispersed peaks in the spectrum confirm that the protein is indeed well folded and suitable for further studies by NMR.

Abnormal expression of mu-crystallin in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

To identify proteins expressed abnormally in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), we extracted soluble proteins from deltoid muscle biopsies from unaffected control and FSHD patients and analyzed them using two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and immunoblotting. Muscles from patients with FSHD showed large increases over controls in a single soluble, 34 kDa protein (pI=5.08) identified by mass spectrometry and immunoblotting as mu-crystallin (CRYM). Soluble fractions of biopsies of several other myopathies and muscular dystrophies showed no appreciable increases in mu-crystallin. Mu-crystallin has thyroid hormone and NADPH binding activity and so may influence differentiation and oxidative stress responses, reported to be altered in FSHD. It is also linked to retinal and inner ear defects, common in FSHD, suggesting that its up-regulation may play a specific and important role in pathogenesis of FSHD.

Lack of fiber cell induction stops normal growth of rat lenses in organ culture.

PURPOSE: Lens organ culture has been widely used as a model system for studying cataract induction and prevention. While rat lenses remain transparent and viable for a week or longer in culture, they do not increase in weight. This study was undertaken to determine what accounts for the lack of weight increase. METHODS: Lenses from 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured using standard methods. Histological analysis was performed on sections from methacrylate embedded tissue. 35S-labeled amino acids were used to metabolically label lenses in culture for the purpose of analyzing protein synthesis. BrdU labeling was used to assess synthesis of DNA in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Lenses from young, rapidly growing rats do not increase in weight after being put into organ culture. Protein synthesis continues in the cultured lenses although at decreased levels as time in culture increases. Lens epithelial cells continue to synthesize DNA as indicated by BrdU labeling, however, the normal migration of epithelial cells from the proliferative zone to the equator does not occur in culture. In the cultured lens, the shape of the lens bow gradually changes, becoming compressed towards the capsule. CONCLUSIONS: The differentiation of lens epithelial cells into fibers is arrested in the cultured lens; consequently lenses in organ culture do not grow normally.

Influence of hormones and growth factors on lens protein composition: the effect of dexamethasone and PDGF-AA.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of hormones and ocular growth factors on the expression of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-crystallins in rat lens epithelial and fiber cells. METHODS: PDGF-AA, EGF, NGF, M-CSF, BMP-2, BMP-4, dexamethasone, and estrogen were tested for their ability to alter the spectrum of crystallins in explanted newborn rat lens epithelial cells or in vitro differentiating newborn rat lens fiber cells. The accumulation of alphaA-, aB-, betaA3/1-, betaB2-, and gamma-crystallin was measured by western blot and dot blot analysis. The morphology of the rat lens explants after culture was examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining, while crystallins were localized by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Only dexamethasone and PDGF-AA showed an effect on relative crystallin levels. In the presence of dexamethasone the amount of alphaB-crystallin was increased in lens epithelial cells, but dexamethasone did not affect the crystallin spectrum in fiber cells. In rat lens epithelial explants cultured with PDGF-AA an increase in beta- and gamma-crystallin expression was seen. The spectrum of beta- and gamma-crystallins synthesized differed from that present in lens fiber cells. The cells expressing beta- and gamma-crystallin after culture with PDGF-AA were scattered in the epithelial cell layer and retained an epithelial morphology. PDGF-AA did not change the spectrum of crystallins synthesized in lens fiber cells but did enhance the rate of fiber cell differentiation, in agreement with results of others. CONCLUSIONS: Both dexamethasone and PDGF-AA influence crystallin gene expression in cultured rat lens epithelial cells. Dexamethasone enhances the expression of alphaB-crystallin while culturing in the presence of PDGF-AA caused an increase in beta- as well as gamma-crystallin synthesis. Since at least the gamma-crystallin genes are known to be silenced in epithelial cells by DNA methylation, PDGF-AA may be able to induce one of the steps towards fiber cell differentiation in some epithelial cells.

Differential proteomic analysis of the mouse retina: the induction of crystallin proteins by retinal degeneration in the rd1 mouse.

We have applied proteomic analysis to the degeneration of photoreceptors. In the rd1 mouse, a recessive mutation in the PDE6B gene leads to rapid loss of rods through apoptosis. By 5 wk postnatal, virtually all rod photoreceptors have degenerated, leaving one row of cones that degenerates secondarily. In order to assess comparative protein expression, proteins extracted from whole retina were resolved on a two-dimensional gel and identified by mass spectrometry combined with database screening. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled to peptide mass fingerprinting was sufficient to identify most of the proteins, the remaining being identified with additional sequence information obtained by nano-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The study revealed 212 spots, grouped into 109 different proteins. Differential analysis showed loss of proteins involved in the rod-specific phototransduction cascade, as well as induction of proteins from the crystallin family, in response to retinal degeneration. Identification of such pathways may contribute to new therapeutic approaches.