title: Fibroblast growth factor 10 upregulates the expression of mucins in rat conjunctival epithelial cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This in vitro study aimed to gain insight into the function of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) on the ocular surface, especially its effect on mRNA expression of the mucins Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac, and mucin protein synthesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We isolated primary cultured rat conjunctival epithelial cells (Cj-ECs) and treated them with FGF10 (1 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, and 200 ng/ml) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2; 10 ng/ml) for 24 h or 48 h. The proliferation of Cj-ECs was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS). mRNA levels of Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac were determined by real-time PCR. Synthesis levels of MUC1 and MUC4 were measured by western blot. Flow cytometry and Annexin V/PI double staining revealed degrees of apoptosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In primary culture, the epithelial cells were compact and cobblestone pavement in shape. Most of the cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK). FGF10 and FGF2 significantly stimulated Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac mRNA expression, cell proliferation, and synthesis of MUC1 and MUC4 proteins. FGF10 was more potent than FGF2 in these regards. FGF10 did not restrain the apoptosis of Cj-ECs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study demonstrated that FGF10 is associated with the promotion of Cj-EC proliferation and mucin production. The effects of FGF10 on Cj-ECs support a rationale to investigate its therapeutic potential for ocular surface diseases.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
authors: Mingming
authors: M
authors: Ma
authors: Zhengwei
authors: Z
authors: Zhang
authors: Weiran
authors: W
authors: Niu
authors: Wenjing
authors: W
authors: Zheng
authors: Jiang
authors: J
authors: Kelimu
authors: Bilian
authors: B
authors: Ke
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D015153:Blotting, Western; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D051526:Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009077:Mucins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D061251:Primary Cell Culture; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013778:Tetrazolium Salts / Q000032:analysis; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D051526:Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; D009077:Mucins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013778:Tetrazolium Salts; D013844:Thiazoles; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; C070380:3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium