Divergent distribution of cytoglobin and neuroglobin in the murine eye

Neuroglobin (Ngb) and cytoglobin (Cygb) are two vertebrate globins with yet poorly defined functions. Previous studies had demonstrated a high expression level of neuroglobin in the mammalian retina, being in line with a respiratory function. Here we show that in the mouse eye, cytoglobin is localised in fibroblasts of the ciliary processes and the choroidea. In the neuronal retina, cytoglobin is expressed in a subset of neurons of the ganglion cell and inner nuclear layers. Cytoglobin is also present in the inner plexiform layer, but absent from the pigment cells. Neuroglobin is localised in photoreceptor inner segments, the plexiform layers and the ganglion cell layer. The divergent distribution of neuroglobin and cytoglobin in the mammalian retina suggests distinct functions of these proteins in the vertebrate nervous system. While neuroglobin seems to be associated with oxygen consumption, a respiratory function of cytoglobin is unlikely.