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[The abnormal expression of epidermal growth factor receptor family in pterygium]
1Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China. zuguol@gzsums.edu.cn
Objective:
To evaluate the expression of type 1 growth factor receptor family [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2 and ErbB3] by the epithelium in pterygium so as to understand the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Methods:
The immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting were performed in 15 patients with primary pterygium, compared to normal conjunctival epithelium, to determine the expression of EGFR, ErbB2 and ErbB3 proteins.
Results:
The EGFR was present at the basal cells while the ErbB2 and ErbB3 were expressed by the superficial cells in normal conjunctival epithelium in immunofluorescent staining. Of 15 pterygia, 11 pterygia expressed the stains of EGFR, ErbB2 and ErbB3 in the full thickness of epithelium and with stronger staining compared to the control group, 4 of them showed the same staining pattern as that in the normal conjunctiva. Compared to normal conjunctiva, the stronger density of protein bands of EGFR, ErbB2 and ErbB3 was also demonstrated by western blotting in 11 pterygia with strong staining of these antibodies.
Conclusions:
The expression of EGFR, ErbB2 and ErbB3 is increased in pterygium, showing that the pterygium is a disorder with proliferation. The abnormal expression of EGFR, ErbB2 and ErbB3 by epithelium and their communicating with cytokines at stroma in pterygium may be one of the key pathogenetic factors in this disorder.
Insights
Pterygium, a proliferative eye disorder, shows increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, and ErbB3. This abnormal signaling may drive pterygium pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder.
- The pathogenesis of pterygium involves epithelial and stromal changes.
- Growth factor receptor family members are implicated in cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of type 1 growth factor receptor family members, specifically epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, and ErbB3, in pterygium epithelium.
- To elucidate the role of these receptors in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting were employed.
- Samples from 15 primary pterygium patients and normal conjunctival epithelium were analyzed.
- Expression levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3 proteins were quantified.
Main Results:
- In normal conjunctiva, EGFR was detected in basal cells, while ErbB2 and ErbB3 were in superficial cells.
- Eleven out of 15 pterygia exhibited enhanced and full-thickness epithelial expression of EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3.
- Western blotting confirmed increased protein density for EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3 in these 11 pterygia.
Conclusions:
- Pterygium demonstrates elevated expression of EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3, indicating a proliferative nature.
- Aberrant expression of these receptors in pterygium epithelium, potentially interacting with stromal cytokines, is a key factor in its pathogenesis.