Abstract
The BTB-kelch protein KLEIP/KLHL20 is an actin binding protein that regulates cell-cell contact formation and cell migration. The aim of our study was to characterize KLEIP's function in ocular health and disease in mice. KLEIP(-/-) mice were generated, and corneas were examined histologically and stained for keratin-1, loricrin, keratin-12, keratin-14, CD31, LYVE-1, F4/80, E-cadherin, and Ki67. Corneal abrasions were performed after eyelid opening. Corneas of KLEIP(+/+) and KLEIP(-/-) mice were indistinguishable at birth. After eyelid opening corneal epithelial hyperplasia started to manifest in KLEIP(-/-) mice, showing a progressive epithelial metaplasia leading to total corneal opacity. In KLEIP(-/-) mice the initial stratified squamous corneal epithelium was altered to an epidermal histo-architecture showing several superficial keratinized cells, cell infiltrations into the stroma, and several apoptotic cells. Skin markers keratin 1 and loricrin were positive, and surface disease was accompanied by deep stromal vascularization. Expression analysis for E-cadherin in KLEIP(-/-) corneas showed acellular areas in the squamous epithelium, indicating a progressive fragile corneal integrity. Removal of the virgin epithelium accelerated strongly development of the epithelial and stromal alterations, identifying mechanical injuries as the major trigger for corneal dystrophy formation and scarification in KLEIP(-/-) mice. The data identify KLEIP as an important molecule regulating corneal epithelial integrity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
