title: Expression of betaig-h3 in keratoconus and normal cornea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the expression of betaig-h3 in normal cornea and keratoconus and to elucidate the role of extracellular matrix in keratoconus.
  
  
  METHODS
  In situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of betaig-h3 in the cornea. The cDNA library was screened with human betaig-h3 cDNA probe to locate betaig-h3 mRNA in cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expression of betaig-h3 was found mainly in the stroma of the normal cornea and keratoconus, but decrease depending on the degree of keratopathy. In some serious cases, no expression signal was detected. The strongest expression was seen at the border of the normal region and keratoconus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  betaig-h3, the structural component of the extracellular matrix, can affect cell adhensiveness in the development of corneal fibrous interstitial organization. During the development of keratoconus, decreasing levels of betaig-h3 cause the diminution of corneal steadiness, which is related to formation of keratoconus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266003, China. zhaoguiqiu@163.net
authors.forename: Guiqiu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Chuanfu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Weirong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Wenqing
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sheng
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000378:metabolism*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D014945:Wound Healing; D000099222:betaIG-H3 Protein
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D000099222:betaIG-H3 Protein