Crystallin synthesis by Chick Lens: II. Changes in synthetic activities of epithelial and fiber cells during embryonic development

Abstract

Crystallin synthesis by epithelial and fiber cells from 7- to 18-day-old chicken embryo lenses was investigated by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. Epithelial cells of 7- to 12-day-old embryo lenses synthesize mainly δ crystallin and a small amount of α- and β-crystallins; these are all sensitive to actinomycin D (30 μg/ml). As the lens develops from 12 to 18 days, epithelial cells become insensitive to actinomycin D in respect to the synthesis of α- and β-crystallins. At the same time, the synthesis of δ-crystallin ceases. On the other hand, the fiber cell synthesizes primarily δ-crystallin with additional small amounts of α- and β-crystallins; these are all insensitive to actinomycin D during all stages of the development of the lens from 7 to 18 days.