Differentiation Of Lens Epithelial Cells Research Articles

Variant in EZR leads to defects in lens development

ABSTRACT Background Congenital cataract is a common cause of blindness. Genetic factors always play important role. Material and Methods This study identified a novel missense variant (c.1412C>T (p.P471L)) in the EZR gene in a four-generation Chinese family with nuclear cataract by linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing. A knockout study in zebrafish using transcription activator-like effector nucleases was carried out to gain insight into candidate gene function. Results Conservative and functional prediction suggests that the P-to-L substitution may impair the function of the human ezrin protein. Histology showed developmental delays in the ezrin-mutated zebrafish, manifesting as multilayered lens epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed abnormal proliferation patterns in mutant fish. Conclusions The study suggests that ezrin may be involved in the enucleation and differentiation of lens epithelial cells.

Complete Blood Cell Count-Derived Inflammation Biomarkers and the Need for Laser Capsulotomy Due to Posterior Capsule Opacification Following Cataract Surgery.

Inflammation plays a significant role in the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery, clinically manifested as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This condition is typically treated with neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. Our objective is to evaluate the association between blood-derived inflammatory markers and the development of clinically significant PCO necessitating treatment with laser capsulotomy. We conducted a retrospective review of charts for all patients who underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in our department between January 2021 and December 2022. The study included 70 patients who diagnosed with clinically significant PCO requiring treatment with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy following cataract surgery, as well as 70 pseudophakic controls with no signs of PCO. Complete blood cell count parameters were obtained from medical records and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were calculated. The mean age of the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy and control group was 71.83±8.46 and 72.27±9.98 years, respectively. The preoperative NLR scores for the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy group (mean rank = 34.43) were statistically significantly higher than those of the control group (mean rank = 25.41) (p = 0.044). However, after adjusting for preoperative measurements, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for the other parameters. Preoperative NLR scores were higher in patients who developed clinically significant PCO requiring treatment with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. This finding suggests that patients with elevated systemic inflammation may be at an increased risk of developing PCO following cataract surgery. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of PCO.

Multiomic analysis implicates FOXO4 in genetic regulation of chick lens fiber cell differentiation

A classic model for identification of novel differentiation mechanisms and pathways is the eye lens that consists of a monolayer of quiescent epithelial cells that are the progenitors of a core of mature fully differentiated fiber cells. The differentiation of lens epithelial cells into fiber cells follows a coordinated program involving cell cycle exit, expression of key structural proteins and the hallmark elimination of organelles to achieve transparency. Although multiple mechanisms and pathways have been identified to play key roles in lens differentiation, the entirety of mechanisms governing lens differentiation remain to be discovered. A previous study established that specific chromatin accessibility changes were directly associated with the expression of essential lens fiber cell genes, suggesting that the activity of transcription factors needed for expression of these genes could be regulated through binding access to the identified chromatin regions. Sequence analysis of the identified chromatin accessible regions revealed enhanced representation of the binding sequence for the transcription factor FOXO4 suggesting a direct role for FOXO4 in expression of these genes. FOXO4 is known to regulate a variety of cellular processes including cellular response to metabolic and oxidative stress, cell cycle withdrawal, and homeostasis, suggesting a previously unidentified role for FOXO4 in the regulation of lens cell differentiation. To further evaluate the role of FOXO4 we employed a multiomics approach to analyze the relationship between genome-wide FOXO4 binding, the differentiation-specific expression of key genes, and chromatin accessibility. To better identify active promoters and enhancers we also examined histone modification through analysis of H3K27ac. Specific methods included CUT&RUN (FOXO4 binding and H3K27ac modification), RNA-seq (differentiation state specific gene expression), and ATAC-seq (chromatin accessibility). CUT&RUN identified 20,966 FOXO4 binding sites and 33,921 H3K27ac marked regions across the lens fiber cell genome. RNA-seq identified 956 genes with significantly greater expression levels in fiber cells compared to epithelial cells (log2FC > 0.7, q < 0.05) and 2548 genes with significantly lower expression levels (log2FC < −0.7, q < 0.05). Integrated analysis identified 1727 differentiation-state specific genes that were nearest neighbors to at least one FOXO4 binding site, including genes encoding lens gap junctions (GJA1, GJA3), lens structural proteins (BFSP1, CRYBB1, ASL1), and genes required for lens transparency (HSF4, NRCAM). Multiomics analysis comparing the identified FOXO4 binding sites in published ATAC-seq data revealed that chromatin accessibility was associated with FOXO4-dependent gene expression during lens differentiation. The results provide evidence for an important requirement for FOXO4 in the regulated expression of key genes required for lens differentiation and link epigenetic regulation of chromatin accessibility and H3K27ac histone modification with the function of FOXO4 in controlling lens gene expression during lens fiber cell differentiation.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals new subtypes of lens superficial tissue in humans.

Although the cell atlas of the human ocular anterior segment of the human eye was revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing, whether subtypes of lens stem/progenitor cells exist among epithelial cells and the molecular characteristics of cell differentiation of the human lens remain unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool to analyse the heterogeneity of tissues at the single cell level, leading to a better understanding of the processes of cell differentiation. By profiling 18,596 cells in human lens superficial tissue through single-cell sequencing, we identified two subtypes of lens epithelial cells that specifically expressed C8orf4 and ADAMTSL4 with distinct spatial localization, a new type of fibre cells located directly adjacent to the epithelium, and a subpopulation of ADAMTSL4+ cells that might be lens epithelial stem/progenitor cells. We also found two trajectories of lens epithelial cell differentiation and changes of some important genes during differentiation.

Single-cell RNA sequencing: Inhibited Notch2 signalling underlying the increased lens fibre cells differentiation in high myopia.

High myopia is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It promotes the overgrowth of lens, which is an important component of ocular refractive system, and increases the risks of lens surgery. While postnatal growth of lens is based on the addition of lens fibre cells (LFCs) supplemented by proliferation and differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs), it remains unknown how these cellular processes change in highly myopic eyes and what signalling pathways may be involved. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed and a total of 50,375 single cells isolated from the lens epithelium of mouse highly myopic and control eyes were analysed to uncover their underlying transcriptome atlas. The proportion of LFCs was significantly higher in highly myopic eyes. Meanwhile, Notch2 signalling was inhibited during lineage differentiation trajectory towards LFCs, while Notch2 predominant LEC cluster was significantly reduced in highly myopic eyes. In consistence, Notch2 was the top down-regulated gene identified in highly myopic lens epithelium. Further validation experiments confirmed NOTCH2 downregulation in the lens epithelium of human and mouse highly myopic eyes. In addition, NOTCH2 knockdown in primary human and mouse LECs resulted in enhanced differentiation towards LFCs accompanied by up-regulation of MAF and CDKN1C. These findings indicated an essential role of NOTCH2 inhibition in lens overgrowth of highly myopic eyes, suggesting a therapeutic target for future interventions.

Extracellular HSP90 promotes differentiation of lens epithelial cells to fiber cells by activating LRP1-YAP-PROX1 axis.

Capsular residual lens epithelial cells (CRLEC) undergo differentiation to fiber cells for lens regeneration or tansdifferentiation to myofibroblasts leading to posterior capsular opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. The underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Using human lens epithelial cell lines and the ex vivo cultured rat lens capsular bag model, we found that the lens epithelial cells secrete HSP90α extracellularly (eHSP90) through an autophagy-associated pathway. Administration of recombinant GST-HSP90α protein or its M-domain induces the elongation of rat CRLEC cells with concomitant upregulation of the crucial fiber cell transcriptional factor PROX1and its downstream targets, β- and γ-crystallins and structure proteins. This regulation is abolished by PROX1 siRNA. GST-HSP90α upregulates PROX1 by binding to LRP1 and activating LRP1-AKT mediated YAP degradation. The upregulation of GST-HSP90α on PROX1 expression and CRLEC cell elongation is inhibited by LRP1 and AKT inhibitors, but activated by YAP-1 inhibitor (VP). These data demonstrated that the capsular residue epithelial cells upregulate and secrete eHSP90α, which in turn drive the differentiation of lens epithelial cell to fiber cells. The recombinant HSP90α protein is a potential novel differentiation regulator during lens regeneration.

Atm inhibition decreases lens opacity in a rat model of galactose-induced cataract.

Cataract causes vision loss and blindness due to formation of opacities of the lens. The regulatory mechanisms of cataract formation and progression remain unclear, and no effective drug treatments are clinically available. In the present study, we tested the effect of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm) inhibitors using an ex vivo model in which rat lenses were cultured in galactose-containing medium to induce opacity formation. After lens opacities were induced by galactose, the lenses were further incubated with the Atm inhibitors AZD0156 or KU55933, which decreased lens opacity. Subsequently, we used microarray analysis to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action, and extracted genes that were upregulated by galactose-induced opacity, but not by inhibitor treatment. Quantitative measurement of mRNA levels and subsequent STRING analysis revealed that a functional network consisting primarily of actin family and actin-binding proteins was upregulated by galactose treatment and downregulated by both Atm inhibitors. In particular, Acta2 is a known marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells, and other genes connected in this functional network (Actn1, Tagln, Thbs1, and Angptl4) also suggested involvement of EMT. Abnormal differentiation of lens epithelial cells via EMT could contribute to formation of opacities; therefore, suppression of these genes by Atm inhibition is a potential therapeutic target for reducing opacities and alleviating cataract-related visual impairment.

Formation of three-dimensional cell aggregates expressing lens-specific proteins in various cultures of human iris-derived tissue cells and iPS cells.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are widely used as a research tool in regenerative medicine and embryology. In studies related to lens regeneration in the eye, iPS cells have been reported to differentiate into lens epithelial cells (LECs); however, to the best of our knowledge, no study to date has described their formation of three-dimensional cell aggregates. Notably, in vivo studies in newts have revealed that iris cells in the eye can dedifferentiate into LECs and regenerate a new lens. Thus, as basic research on lens regeneration, the present study investigated the differentiation of human iris tissue-derived cells and human iris tissue-derived iPS cells into LECs and their formation of three-dimensional cell aggregates using a combination of two-dimensional culture, static suspension culture and rotational suspension culture. The results revealed that three-dimensional cell aggregates were formed and differentiated into LECs expressing αA-crystallin, a specific marker protein for LECs, suggesting that the cell-cell interaction facilitated by cell aggregation may have a critical role in enabling highly efficient differentiation of LECs. However, the present study was unable to achieve transparency in the cell aggregates; therefore, we aim to continue to investigate the degradation of organelles and other materials necessary to make the interior of the formed cell aggregates transparent. Furthermore, we aim to expand on our current work to study the regeneration of the lens and ciliary body as a whole in vitro, with the aim of being able to restore focusing function after cataract surgery.

Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Antioxidant Pathway by Heme Attenuates Calcification of Human Lens Epithelial Cells.

Cataract, an opacification in the crystalline lens, is a leading cause of blindness. Deposition of hydroxyapatite occurs in a cataractous lens that could be the consequence of osteogenic differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the transcription of a wide range of cytoprotective genes. Nrf2 upregulation attenuates cataract formation. Here we aimed to investigate the effect of Nrf2 system upregulation in LECs calcification. We induced osteogenic differentiation of human LECs (HuLECs) with increased phosphate and calcium-containing osteogenic medium (OM). OM-induced calcium and osteocalcin deposition in HuLECs. We used heme to activate Nrf2, which strongly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Heme-mediated Nrf2 activation was dependent on the production of reactive oxygens species. Heme inhibited Ca deposition, and the OM-induced increase of osteogenic markers, RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, and OCN. Anti-calcification effect of heme was lost when the transcriptional activity of Nrf2 or the enzyme activity of HO-1 was blocked with pharmacological inhibitors. Among products of HO-1 catalyzed heme degradation iron mimicked the anti-calcification effect of heme. We concluded that heme-induced upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 system inhibits HuLECs calcification through the liberation of heme iron.

Time Course of Lens Epithelial Cell Behavior in Rabbit Eyes following Lens Extraction and Implantation of Intraocular Lens.

Background After cataract surgery, some lens epithelial cells (LECs) transdifferentiate into myofibroblast-like cells, which causes fibric posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Residual LECs differentiate into lens fiber cells, forming Elschnig pearls with PCO. This study was carried out to identify the time course of both types of LEC behavior in rabbit eyes following lens extraction and implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). Methods Phacoemulsification and implantation of posterior chamber IOLs were performed in rabbit eyes. Following enucleation, immunohistochemical methods were used to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker for myofibroblast-like cells, in the pseudophakic rabbit eyes. A mouse monoclonal antibody against α-SMA was used. Results Soon after the operation, the LECs migrated and covered the lens capsule. Thereafter, the LECs around the anterior capsular margin were always positive for α-SMA. However, the distributions of these cells were not consistent. In some specimens, α-SMA-positive LECs were present around the IOL optic early after surgery, but most of them had disappeared several weeks after the surgery. The residual cells induced fibrotic PCO. In the other specimens, most LECs around the IOL optic except the anterior capsular margin were negative for α-SMA. In the peripheral region covered by the peripheral anterior and posterior capsules, LECs on the posterior capsule always differentiated into lens fiber cells and formed a Soemmering ring. Thereafter, migration of lens fiber cells from the Soemmering ring and differentiation of LECs in situ on the central posterior capsule consisted of Elschnig pearls type of PCO. Conclusions Although postoperative LEC behavior is not consistent, residual α-SMA-positive LECs induced fibrotic PCO. The lens fiber cells that migrated from the peripheral capsular bag or that were differentiated in situ covered the central posterior capsule, forming Elschnig pearls with PCO.

Identification of Differential Gene Expression Pattern in Lens Epithelial Cells Derived from Cataractous and Noncataractous Lenses of Shumiya Cataract Rat.

The Shumiya cataract rat (SCR) is a model for hereditary cataract. Two-thirds of these rats develop lens opacity within 10-11 weeks. Onset of cataract is attributed to the synergetic effect of lanosterol synthase (Lss) and farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (Fdft1) mutant alleles that lead to cholesterol deficiency in the lenses, which in turn adversely affects lens biology including the growth and differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Nevertheless, the molecular events and changes in gene expression associated with the onset of lens opacity in SCR are poorly understood. In the present study, a microarray-based approach was employed to analyze comparative gene expression changes in LECs isolated from the precataractous and cataractous stages of lenses of 5-week-old SCRs. The changes in gene expression observed in microarray results in the LECs were further validated using real-time reverse transcribed quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in 5-, 8-, and 10-week-old SCRs. A mild posterior and cortical opacity was observed in 5-week-old rats. Expressions of approximately 100 genes, including the major intrinsic protein of the lens fiber (Mip and Aquaporin 0), deoxyribonuclease II beta (Dnase2B), heat shock protein B1 (HspB1), and crystallin γ (γCry) B, C, and F, were found to be significantly downregulated (0.07-0.5-fold) in rat LECs derived from cataract lenses compared to that in noncataractous lenses (control). Thus, our study was aimed at identifying the gene expression patterns during cataract formation in SCRs, which may be responsible for cataractogenesis in SCR. We proposed that cataracts in SCR are associated with reduced expression of these lens genes that have been reported to be related with lens fiber differentiation. Our findings may have wider implications in understanding the effect of cholesterol deficiency and the role of cholesterol-lowering therapeutics on cataractogenesis.

Hypoxia regulates the degradation of non-nuclear organelles during lens differentiation through activation of HIF1a

Formation of the eye lens depends on the continuous differentiation of lens epithelial cells into lens fiber cells. To attain their mature structure and transparent function, nascent lens fiber cells must complete a precise cellular remodeling program hallmarked by the complete elimination of organelles to form the core lens organelle-free zone (OFZ). Lacking a blood supply, the lens resides in a hypoxic environment that results in a decreasing oxygen concentration from the lens surface to the lens core. This oxygen gradient results in a hypoxic microenvironment in the region of the lens where immature lens fiber cells initiate loss of organelles to form the core OFZ. These features of the lens suggest a potential role for low lens oxygen levels in the regulation of organelle degradation and other events critical for mature lens fiber cell formation. Hypoxia activates the master regulator of the hypoxic response, hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (HIF1a) that regulates hypoxia-responsive genes. To identify a potential role for hypoxia and HIF1a in the elimination of organelles during lens fiber cell maturation, we tested the requirement for hypoxia in the degradation of non-nuclear organelles in ex vivo cultured embryonic chick lenses by monitoring the degradation of mitochondria (MT), Golgi apparatus (GA) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) under conditions of low (1% O2) and high (21% O2) oxygen. We also examined the requirement for HIF1a activation for elimination of these organelles under the same conditions using a specific HIF1a activator (DMOG) and a specific HIF1a inhibitor (chetomin) and examined the requirements for hypoxia and HIF1a for regulating transcription of BNIP3L that we previously showed to be required for elimination of non-nuclear lens organelles. We used ChIP-qPCR to confirm direct binding of HIF1a to the 5' untranslated region of the BNIP3L gene. Finally, we examined the effects of expressing an oxygen insensitive mutant form of HIF1a (P402A/P565A) and BNIP3L on non-nuclear organelle degradation. Our data demonstrate that hypoxia and HIF1a are required for the degradation of non-nuclear organelles during lens fiber cell formation and that they regulate this process by governing BNIP3L transcription. Our results also provide evidence that hypoxia and HIF1a are essential for achieving mature lens structure.

The effect of Sep15 gene silencing on the expression of crystall oid protein in human lens epithelial cells

Objective: To investigate the effect of Sep15 gene silencing on lens protein expression in human lens epithelial cells. Method: Human lens epithelial cell (HLEC) SRA01/04 was used as the study object, Using MTT method, RT-PCRs, Small molecule RNA interference technology and protein immunoblotting method, The survival rate of hLE cells stimulated by different concentrations of bFGF and Tm (tunicamycin, an endoplasmic reticulum stress inducing reagent), the changes of the mRNA and protein expression levels of intracellular beta-crystallin and GRP78 proteins, and the changes of Sep15 protein expression levels in hLE cells were determined, respectively, to evaluate the effect of Sep15 gene silencing on the expression of lens protein in human lens epithelial cells. Result: First, The survival rate of hLE cells induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress inducing reagents tunicamycin (Tm) and bFGF was investigated by MTT method. The results showed that a certain concentration of Tm and bFGF could inhibit or lead to the death of hLE cells; Secondly, The effects of Tm on the levels of mRNA and protein expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker protein GRP78 and the effects of bFGF on the levels of alpha-, were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and protein immunoblotting, respectively, Effects of beta-crystallin mRNA and protein expression levels, To determine the optimal concentration and time of Tm and bFGF on hLE cells, The results showed that 40 ng/mL of bFGF-treated cells for 48 h was the optimal reaction condition for bFGF to stimulate the differentiation of lens epithelial cells. Third, The co-action of Tm and bFGF on hLE cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and protein immunoblotting. For Intracellular GRP78, α-, β- crystallin, Effects of mRNA and protein expression levels, The results showed that the occurrence of ER stress could upregulate its expression. Fourth, The changes of Sep15 protein expression level in hLE cells after Sep15 gene silencing and the effects of Tm and bFGF on Sep15 gene silencing in cells were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the addition of Tm and bFGF basically did not affect the silencing effect of Sep15 gene. Fifth, The expression of GRP78 and β- crystallin in hLE cells after silencing of Sep15 gene was detected by Western blot. The results showed that Sep15 may be involved in the process of protecting the differentiation of lens epithelial cells. Conclusion: Sep15 gene silencing has an inhibitory effect on lens protein expression in human lens epithelial cells, and strengthening its clinical research is of positive significance for improving the clinical treatment and prevention of cataract diseases.

Advances and clinical application of lens regeneration in mammal

Regeneration of the lens is an ideal strategy for cataract patients to restore their adjustable vision and to acquire excellent visual quality. However, mammalian lens regeneration is slow and incomplete, and functional lens regeneration cannot be achieved. The ability of lower amphibians (such as newts) to regenerate the lens provides the impetus for research on the regeneration of the lens of mammal. At present, the main form of mammalian lens regeneration is the differentiation of lens epithelial cells by capsular bag as a scaffold. In recent years, the continuous development of stem cell technology, tissue engineering and biological materials have made great progress in lens regeneration. This article describes the processes in the normal development of the lens, and reviews the research results of lens regeneration at home and abroad, and discusses the possibility of the new techniques and methods related to regenerative medicine applied to lens regeneration. It is hoped to help in the realization of rapid and complete regeneration of functional lens.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 549-553).

BNIP3L/NIX is required for elimination of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus during eye lens organelle-free zone formation

The formation and life-long growth of the ocular lens depends on the continuous differentiation of lens epithelial cells into lens fiber cells. To achieve their mature structure and transparent function, newly formed lens fiber cells undergo a series of cellular remodeling events including the complete elimination of cellular organelles to form the lens organelle-free zone (OFZ). To date, the mechanisms and requirements for organelle elimination by lens fiber cells remain to be fully elucidated. In previous studies, we detected the presence of mitochondria contained within autophagolysosomes throughout human and chick lenses suggesting that proteins targeting mitochondria for degradation by mitophagy could be required for the elimination of mitochondria during OFZ formation. Consistently, high-throughput RNA sequencing of microdissected embryonic chick lenses revealed that expression of a protein that targets mitochondria for elimination during erythrocyte formation, called BCL2 interacting protein 3-like (BNIP3L/NIX), peaks in the region of lens where organelle elimination occurs. To examine the potential role for BNIP3L in the elimination of mitochondria during lens fiber cell remodeling, we analyzed the expression pattern of BNIP3L in newborn mouse lenses, the effect of its deletion on organelle elimination and its co-localization with lens organelles. We demonstrate that the expression pattern of BNIP3L in the mouse lens is consistent with it playing an important role in the elimination of mitochondria during lens fiber cell organelle elimination. Importantly, we demonstrate that deletion of BNIP3L results in retention of mitochondria during lens fiber cell remodeling, and, surprisingly, that deletion of BNIP3L also results in the retention of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus but not nuclei. Finally, we show that BNIP3L localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus of wild-type newborn mouse lenses and is contained within mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus isolated from adult mouse liver. These data identify BNIP3L as a novel requirement for the elimination of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus during lens fiber cell remodeling and they suggest a novel function for BNIP3L in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus populations in the lens and non-lens tissues.

Endogenous bioelectric currents promote differentiation of the mammalian lens.

The functional roles of bioelectrical signals (ES) created by the flow of specific ions at the mammalian lens equator are poorly understood. We detected that mature, denucleated lens fibers expressed high levels of the α1 and β1 subunits of Na+/K+‐ATPase (ATP1A1 and ATP1B1 of the sodium pump) and had a hyperpolarized membrane potential difference (Vmem). In contrast, differentiating, nucleated lens fiber cells had little ATP1A1 and ATP1B1 and a depolarized Vmem. Mimicking the natural equatorial ES with an applied electrical field (EF) induced a striking reorientation of lens epithelial cells to lie perpendicular to the direction of the EF. An EF also promoted the expression of β‐crystallin, aquaporin‐0 (AQP0) and the Beaded Filament Structural Protein 2 (BFSP2) in lens epithelial cells (LECs), all of which are hallmarks of differentiation. In addition, applied EF activated the AKT and CDC2 and inhibition of AKT reduced the activation of CDC2. Our results indicate that the endogenous bioelectrical signal at the lens equator promotes differentiation of LECs into denucleated lens fiber cells via depolarization of Vmem. Development of methods and devices of EF application or amplification in vivo may supply a novel treatment for lens diseases and even promote regeneration of a complete new lens following cataract surgery.

Roles of TGF\u03b2 and FGF signals during growth and differentiation of mouse lens epithelial cell in vitro

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways play important roles in the proliferation and differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) during development. Low dosage bFGF promotes cell proliferation while high dosage induces differentiation. TGFβ signaling regulates LEC proliferation and differentiation as well, but also promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transitions that lead to cataracts. Thus far, it has been difficult to recapitulate the features of germinative LECs in vitro. Here, we have established a LEC culture protocol that uses SB431542 (SB) compound to inhibit TGFβ/Smad activation, and found that SB treatment promoted mouse LEC proliferation, maintained LECs’ morphology and distinct markers including N-cadherin, c-Maf, Prox1, and αA-, αB-, and β-crystallins. In contrast, low-dosage bFGF was unable to sustain those markers and, combined with SB, altered LECs’ morphology and β-crystallin expression. We further found that Matrigel substrate coatings greatly increased cell proliferation and uniquely affected β-crystallin expression. Cultured LECs retained the ability to differentiate into γ-crystallin-positive lentoids by high-dosage bFGF treatment. Thus, a suppression of TGFβ/Smad signaling in vitro is critical to maintaining characteristic features of mouse LECs, especially expression of the key transcription factors c-Maf and Prox1.

Switching of α-Catenin From Epithelial to Neuronal Type During Lens Epithelial Cell Differentiation.

PurposeOcular lens fiber cell elongation, differentiation, and compaction are associated with extensive reorganization of cell adhesive interactions and cytoskeleton; however, our knowledge of proteins critical to these events is still evolving. This study characterizes the distribution pattern of neuronal-specific α-catenin (αN-catenin) and its interaction with the N-cadherin–associated adherens junctions (AJs) and their stability in the mouse lens fibers.MethodsExpression and distribution of αN-catenin in developing mouse and adult human lenses was determined by RT-PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses. Characterization of αN-catenin and N-cadherin interacting proteins and colocalization analyses were performed using immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and confocal imaging. Effects of periaxin deficiency on the stability of lens fiber cell AJs were evaluated using perixin-null mice.ResultsαN-catenin exhibits discrete distribution to lens fibers in both mouse and human lenses, undergoing a robust up-regulation during fiber cell differentiation and maturation. Epithelial-specific α-catenin (αE-catenin), in contrast, distributes primarily to the lens epithelium. αN-catenin and N-cadherin reciprocally coimmunoprecipitate and colocalize along with β-catenin, actin, spectrin, vinculin, Armadillo repeat protein deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome homolog, periaxin, and ankyrin-B in lens fibers. Fiber cells from periaxin-null mouse lenses revealed disrupted N-cadherin/αN-catenin–based AJs.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the discrete shift in α-catenin expression from αE-catenin to αN-catenin subtype that occurs during lens epithelial cell differentiation may play a key role in fiber cell cytoarchitecture by regulating the assembly and stability of N-cadherin–based AJs. This study also provides evidence for the importance of the fiber cell–specific cytoskeletal interacting periaxin, in the stability of N-cadherin/αN-catenin–based AJs in lens fibers.

Vitreous Humor Changes Expression of Iron-Handling Proteins in Lens Epithelial Cells.

PurposeIn humans, vitrectomy is associated with development of nuclear cataracts. Iron catalyzes free radical formation causing oxidative damage, which is implicated in cataract formation. This study was designed to determine if vitreous humor, which can initiate differentiation of lens epithelial cells, would have an effect on iron-handling proteins.MethodsCultured canine lens epithelial cells were treated with collected canine vitreous humor. Lysates of treated and control cells were separated by SDS-PAGE. Ferritin H- and L-chains, transferrin receptor 1, and aquaporin 0 were immunodetected and quantitated with specific antibodies. Morphologic changes in treated cells were assessed.ResultsTreatment of lens epithelial cells with a 33% (vol/vol) solution of vitreous humor changed the morphology of lens cells and induced expression of aquaporin 0, a marker of fiber cell differentiation that was undetectable in control cells. Treatment did not modify the size of iron-handling proteins but significantly increased content of ferritin from 2.9- to 8.8-fold over control and decreased levels of transferrin receptor by 37% to 59%.ConclusionsVitreous humor may significantly limit iron uptake by transferrin/transferrin receptor pathway, and by increasing ferritin levels could profoundly increase the iron-storage capacity of ferritin in lens cells. Vitreous humor may play a significant protective role against iron-catalyzed oxidative damage of lens epithelial cells and therefore in the formation of cataracts.

Nox4 Plays a Role in TGF-β-Dependent Lens Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition.

PurposeTransforming growth factor-β induces an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the lens, presented as an aberrant growth and differentiation of lens epithelial cells. Studies in other models of EMT have shown that TGF-β–driven EMT is dependent on the expression of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)–producing enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)–oxidase-4 (Nox4). We investigate the role of this enzyme in TGF-β–induced lens EMT and determine whether it is required for this pathologic process.MethodsRat lens epithelial explants were used to investigate the role of Nox4 in TGF-β–driven lens EMT. Nox1–4 expression and localization was determined by immunolabeling and/or RT-PCR. NADPH–oxidase–produced ROS were visualized microscopically using the fluorescent probe, dihydroethidium (DHE). VAS2870, a pan-NADPH oxidase inhibitor, was used to determine the specificity of Nox4 expression and its role in ROS production, and subsequently TGF-β–driven EMT.ResultsWe demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, in rat lens epithelial explants that TGF-β treatment induces Nox4 (but not Nox1–3) expression and activity. Increased Nox4 expression was first detected at 6 to 8 hours following TGF-β treatment and was maintained in explants up to 48 hours. At 8 hours after TGF-β treatment, Nox4 was observed in cell nuclei, while at later stages in the EMT process (at 48 hours), Nox4 was predominately colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin. The inhibition of Nox4 expression and activity using VAS2870 inhibited EMT progression.ConclusionsTransforming growth factor-β drives the expression of the ROS-producing enzyme Nox4 in rat lens epithelial cells and Nox4 inhibition can impede the EMT process.