Expression of CD44 in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether cultured human trabecular meshwork cells express CD44 and to discuss their possible relationship with primary open angle glaucoma.


METHODS
Human trabecular meshwork cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 media. Total RNAs from the cells were extracted with Trizol reagent. Messenger RNA expression of CD44 in human trabecular meshwork cells was examined by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Expression of CD44 was confirmed by Western-blotting and immunofluorescent microscopy. Effect of CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide on adhesion of trabecular meshwork cells to hyaluronate was determined by MTT assay.


RESULTS
A single RT-PCR product whose size was 471 bp was obtained. A band about 80kD was stained by Western-blot. Immunofluorescent examination of expression of CD44 on the cell surface was positive and reactions were mainly localized in cell membranes. Adhesion of trabecular meshwork cells to hyaluronate was inhibited by CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide.


CONCLUSIONS
Cultured human trabecular meshwork cells express CD44. CD44 may play a role in pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma.
Li
Zhongguo
Z
Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Zhang
Hong
H
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014129:Trabecular Meshwork / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid