Expression of c-Fos and c-Jun in developing mouse lens

We carried out immunohistochemistry in embryonic eye-specific antibodies in the mouse to determine the spatial/temporal expression pattern of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins--the main components of the AP-1 transcription factor, in lens epithelial cells during mouse lens morphogenesis. c-Fos protein expression was detected in the equatorial epithelium at E14.5-P25, with a peak at P1-P8. c-Jun protein expression was detected in equatorial lens epithelial cells at E18.5-P8, with a peak at P1. During these intervals, the anterior epithelium lacked expression of c-Fos and c-Jun. They were not detected in an adult mouse lens. The expression pattern of the AP-1 transcription factor in equatorial epithelium may suggest its role in fiber differentiation.