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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Preparation and Culture of Rat Lens Epithelial Explants for Studying Terminal Differentiation
Published on: September 22, 2009
[Expression of Pax-6 homeobox gene in lens epithelial cells in vitro]
Yi-zhi Liu1, Zhao-xia Xia, Xia-lin Liu
1Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China. juliaxzx@163.com
Objective:
To detect the gene expression of Pax-6 in cultured lens epithelial cells (LECs) of mouse in vitro in order to study the gene factor that maintains the LECs characteristics.
Methods:
Cultured the LECs (passage 1 to 3) were used in the study, the expression of Pax-6 gene in LECs was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.
Results:
The mRNA of Pax-6 gene was positive in primary culture, the first and second passage of LECs using RT-PCR. The protein of Pax-6 gene was also positive in Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, but it was weak positive in the third passage of LECs and none in all passages of negative control groups.
Conclusion:
The LECs are positive for the gene of Pax-6. The normal expression of Pax-6 gene is vital for maintaining the LECs characteristics.
