Differential expression of the keratan sulphate proteoglycan, keratocan, during chick corneal embryogenesis (original) (raw)

Abstract

Keratan sulphate (KS) proteoglycans (PGs) are key molecules in the connective tissue matrix of the cornea of the eye, where they are believed to have functional roles in tissue organisation and transparency. Keratocan, is one of the three KS PGs expressed in cornea, and is the only one that is primarily cornea-specific. Work with the developing chick has shown that mRNA for keratocan is present in early corneal embryogenesis, but there is no evidence of protein synthesis and matrix deposition. Here, we investigate the tissue distribution of keratocan in the developing chick cornea as it becomes compacted and transparent in the later stages of development. Indirect immunofluorescence using a new monoclonal antibody (KER-1) which recognises a protein epitope on the keratocan core protein demonstrated that keratocan was present at all stages investigated (E10–E18), with distinct differences in localisation and organisation observed between early and later stages. Until E13, keratocan appeared both cell-associated and in the stromal extracellular matrix, and was particularly concentrated in superficial tissue regions. By E14 when the cornea begins to become transparent, keratocan was located in elongate arrays, presumably associated along collagen fibrils in the stroma. This fibrillar label was still concentrated in the anterior stroma, and persisted through E15–E18. Presumptive Bowman’s layer was evident as an unlabelled subepithelial zone at all stages. Thus, in embryonic chick cornea, keratocan, in common with sulphated KS chains in the E12–E14 developmental period, exhibits a preferential distribution in the anterior stroma. It undergoes a striking reorganisation of structure and distribution consistent with a role in relation to stromal compaction and corneal transparency.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Grant BBS/B/10994 to AJQ, JR, and BC), and the Arthritis Research Campaign, UK (Grant 13279 to BC and CEH). Presented at the ARVO (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology) Annual Meeting, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, May 2006.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Connective Tissue Biology Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3US, Wales, UK
   E. Claire Gealy, Briedgeen C. Kerr, Debbie Tudor, Anthony J. Hayes, Clare E. Hughes, Bruce Caterson & James R. Ralphs
2. Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4LU, Wales, UK
   Robert D. Young & Andrew J. Quantock

Authors

1. E. Claire Gealy
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2. Briedgeen C. Kerr
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3. Robert D. Young
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4. Debbie Tudor
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5. Anthony J. Hayes
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6. Clare E. Hughes
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7. Bruce Caterson
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8. Andrew J. Quantock
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9. James R. Ralphs
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Corresponding author

Correspondence toJames R. Ralphs.

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E. Claire Gealy and Briedgeen C. Kerr were joint first authors.

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Gealy, E.C., Kerr, B.C., Young, R.D. et al. Differential expression of the keratan sulphate proteoglycan, keratocan, during chick corneal embryogenesis.Histochem Cell Biol 128, 551–555 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-007-0332-4

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• Accepted: 22 August 2007
• Published: 13 September 2007
• Issue Date: December 2007
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-007-0332-4

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