Uncoordinated expression of myosin heavy chains and myosin-binding protein C isoforms in human extraocular muscles

To examine the distribution of myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) in human extraocular muscles (EOMs) and to correlate the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and the MyBP-C composition of the fibers.

Samples from 17 EOMs, 3 levator palpebrae (LP), and 6 limb muscles were analyzed with SDS-PAGE and immunoblot or processed for immunocytochemistry with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against MyBP-C-fast, MyBP-C-slow, MyHCIIa, MyHCI, MyHCsto, MyHCalpha-cardiac, and MyHCemb.

In the limb muscle samples, fast fibers were labeled with anti-MyBP-C-fast and anti-MyBP-C-slow, whereas the slow fibers were immunostained with anti-MyBP-C-slow only, in accordance with previous studies. In 11 EOM samples MyBP-C-fast was not detected, and weak staining with anti-MyBP-C-fast was seen only in a few fibers in the proximal part of 2 muscles. The mAb against MyBP-C-slow labeled all fibers, but fibers containing MyHCI were generally more strongly stained. In the levator palpebrae, immunostaining with anti-MyBP-C-fast was present in some fibers labeled with anti-MyHCIIa and/or anti-MyHCeom. MyBP-C-fast and -intermediate were not detected biochemically in the EOMs.

The lack of MyBP-C-fast and intermediate is an additional feature of the human EOM allotype. The true EOMs have a unique myofibrillar protein isoform composition reflecting their special structural and functional properties. The levator palpebrae muscle phenotype is intermediate between that of the EOMs and the limb muscles.