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Potential role of calcineurin in pathogenic conditions

Khaliq Kurji1, Rajendra K Sharma

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|December 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Calcineurin (CaN), a calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase, is found in many eye tissues. Its presence suggests a potential role in visual transduction and ocular diseases like cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Ophthalmology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Calcineurin (CaN) is a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine protein phosphatase.
  • CaN is implicated in diverse biological processes and Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways in mammalian tissues.
  • Limited research exists on CaN's role in ocular diseases despite its known functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and potential role of calcineurin (CaN) in various eye tissues.
  • To explore CaN's involvement in visual transduction and ocular pathologies.
  • To review laboratory findings on CaN's function within the eye.

Main Methods:

  • Localization studies of CaN across multiple ocular tissues.
  • Assays for protein expression and enzymatic activity of CaN in retinal, optic nerve, and corneal tissues.
  • Cloning and characterization of bovine retinal CaN subunits A and B.

Main Results:

  • Calcineurin (CaN) was detected in the cornea, iris, ciliary body, vitreous body, retina, choroid, sclera, and optic nerve.
  • High levels of CaN protein expression and activity were observed in the retina, optic nerve, and cornea.
  • The CaN A and B subunits were successfully cloned and characterized from the bovine retina.

Conclusions:

  • Calcineurin (CaN) is present in significant amounts in key ocular tissues, including the retina, optic nerve, and cornea.
  • These findings suggest CaN may be involved in visual transduction processes.
  • Calcineurin (CaN) could play a role in the pathogenesis of various eye diseases, potentially including ocular cancers.

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