[Expression of Pax-6 homeobox gene in lens epithelial cells in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To detect the gene expression of Pax-6 in cultured lens epithelial cells (LECs) of mouse in vitro in order to study the gene factor that maintains the LECs characteristics.


METHODS
Cultured the LECs (passage 1 to 3) were used in the study, the expression of Pax-6 gene in LECs was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.


RESULTS
The mRNA of Pax-6 gene was positive in primary culture, the first and second passage of LECs using RT-PCR. The protein of Pax-6 gene was also positive in Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, but it was weak positive in the third passage of LECs and none in all passages of negative control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The LECs are positive for the gene of Pax-6. The normal expression of Pax-6 gene is vital for maintaining the LECs characteristics.
Liu
Yi-zhi
YZ
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China. juliaxzx@163.com
Xia
Zhao-xia
ZX
Liu
Xia-lin
XL
Huang
Qiang
Q
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D000071841:PAX6 Transcription Factor; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D005136:Eye Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D000071841:PAX6 Transcription Factor; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors; C000605732:Pax6 protein, mouse; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012097:Repressor Proteins