Role of INK4a locus in normal eye development and cataract genesis.
The murine INK4a locus encodes the critical tumor suppressor proteins, p16(INK4a) and p19(ARF). Mice lacking both p16(INK4a) and p19(ARF) (INK4a-/-) in their FVB/NJ genetic backgrounds developed cataracts and microophthalmia. Histopathologically, INK4a-/- mice showed defects in the developmental regression of the hyaloid vascular system (HVS), retinal dysplasia, and cataracts with numerous vacuolations, closely resembling human persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV). Ocular defects, such as retinal fold and abnormal migration of lens fiber cells, were observed as early as embryonic day (E) 15.5, thereby resulting in the abnormal differentiation of the lens. We also found that ectopic expression of p16(INK4a) resulted in the induction of gammaF-crystallin, suggesting an important role of INK4a locus during mouse eye development, and also providing insights into the potential genetic basis of human cataract genesis.
Cheong
Cheolho
C
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Molecular Therapy Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 300 Chonchon-Dong, Changan-Gu, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Sung
Young Hoon
YH
Lee
Jaehoon
J
Choi
Yoon Sik
YS
Song
Jaewhan
J
Kee
Changwon
C
Lee
Han-Woong
HW
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000235:genetics; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D005123:Eye / Q000098:blood supply / Q000196:embryology* / Q000473:pathology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci / Q000235:genetics*; D015792:Retinal Dysplasia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D025803:Tumor Suppressor Protein p14ARF / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D038222:gamma-Crystallins / Q000096:biosynthesis
C417743:Cdkn2a protein, mouse; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D025803:Tumor Suppressor Protein p14ARF; D038222:gamma-Crystallins