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

ABSTRACT

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.