Decreased expression of peroxiredoxins in Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the relative expression of peroxiredoxin (Prx) proteins in normal human corneal endothelium with endothelium in corneas affected by Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED) and between normal human endothelium and epithelial/stromal tissue.


METHODS
Human corneal endothelial cell-Descemet's membrane (HCEC-DM) complexes from normal and FED corneal buttons were dissected from the epithelium/stroma. For proteomic analysis, HCEC-DM protein extracts were separated by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Relative differences in protein spot density was analyzed. Proteins of interest, including Prx isoforms, were identified by MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted desorption ionization-time of flight) mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis compared the relative expression of Prx isoforms in normal and FED endothelium and between normal endothelium and normal epithelium/stroma. Expression of Prx-2 mRNA was compared by using real-time PCR.


RESULTS
Proteomic analysis identified differences in the relative expression of Prx isoforms between normal and FED endothelium. Western blot analysis confirmed that expression of Prx-2, -3, and -5 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in FED cells. Normal HCECs expressed significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of Prx-2 and -3 than did the epithelium/stroma. Expression of Prx-5 was not significantly different (P > 0.05) in the endothelium versus the epithelium/stroma. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that Prx-2 mRNA was significantly decreased (P = 0.027) in FED samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Prx proteins were identified in human corneal endothelium. The fact that Prx-2 and -3 were expressed at significantly higher levels in HCEC-DM compared with the epithelium/stroma reflects the different physiologic activities of individual corneal cell types. Significantly decreased expression of Prx-2, -3, and -5 in FED may suggest an alteration in the ability of endothelial cells to withstand oxidant-induced damage and may be closely related to the pathogenesis of this disease.
Jurkunas
Ula V
UV
Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. ula_jurkunas@meei.harvard.edu
Rawe
Ian
I
Bitar
Maya S
MS
Zhu
Cheng
C
Harris
Deshea L
DL
Colby
Kathryn
K
Joyce
Nancy C
NC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015153:Blotting, Western; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000378:metabolism*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000378:metabolism*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005642:Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061105:Peroxiredoxin III; D054464:Peroxiredoxins / Q000378:metabolism*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D040901:Proteomics; D012016:Reference Values
D020033:Protein Isoforms; C086065:PRDX2 protein, human; C516115:PRDX3 protein, human; C515974:PRDX5 protein, human; D061105:Peroxiredoxin III; D054464:Peroxiredoxins