Expression of AP-1 (c-fos/c-jun) in developing mouse corneal epithelium.
BACKGROUND
Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a ubiquitous transcription factor which is believed to modulate cell behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation during wound healing and embryonic tissue morphogenesis. AP-1 consists of Fos family and Jun family proteins.


METHODS
We examined expression pattern of c-fos mRNA and c-Fos protein in developing mouse cornea. Expression of c-jun mRNA and c-Jun protein were also examined for comparison.


RESULTS
While no c-fos mRNAs were detected on embryonic day (E) 12.5, mRNA for c-fos was detected from E14.5 until postnatal day (P)14. The mRNAs for c-jun were also detected, although the temporal expression patterns differed. c-Fos-immunoreactive nuclei were present from E14.5 through P10 and c-Jun-immunoreactive nuclei were detected from E14.5 through P3.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that AP-1 ( c-fos/c-jun) transcription factor may play a role in the development and maturation of the corneal epithelium in mice.
Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, 641-0012 Wakayama, Japan. yokada@wakayama-med.ac.jp
Yuka
Y
Okada
Shizuya
S
Saika
Kumi
K
Shirai
Yoshitaka
Y
Ohnishi
Emiko
E
Senba
D000818:Animals; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1