Heterogeneity of type I collagen expression in human corneal keratoconus fibroblasts.
Corneal fibroblast cultures were established from 3 normal and 4 keratoconus (KC) corneas. Type I collagen protein synthesis and steady-state RNAs were analyzed in these cultures by metabolic labeling studies, slot blots and immunofluorescent microscopy. Type I collagen proteins and steady-state RNAs were reduced in cells from 3 of the 4 KC cultures when compared with normal fibroblasts, suggesting that collagen expression is heterogenous in KC and that the heterogeneity is expressed at the cellular and molecular level. The type I collagen matrix synthesized by the KC fibroblasts appeared normal when analyzed by immunofluorescence, suggesting that the incorporation of type I collagen into the extracellular matrix is not affected in KC fibroblasts.
Peters
D P
DP
Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706-1532.
Harrison
D A
DA
Brandt
C R
CR
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis
D012313:RNA; D003094:Collagen