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Published on: December 31, 2013
Functional TRPV1 expression in human corneal fibroblasts
Yuanquan Yang1, Hua Yang, Zheng Wang
1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York, State College of Optometry, New York, NY 10036, USA.
Experimental Eye Research
|December 13, 2012
Summary
Functional Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) channels in human corneal fibroblasts contribute to inflammation and opacification during wound healing. Blocking TRPV1 may restore corneal transparency after injury.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Corneal alkali burns cause inflammation and opacification, impairing vision.
- Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) channel activation contributes to this outcome in mice.
- TRPV1 expression in human corneal fibroblasts is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate TRPV1 gene and protein expression in primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCF).
- To determine the functional activity of TRPV1 channels in HCF.
- To explore the role of TRPV1 in inflammatory signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry for TRPV1 expression.
- Western blot for TRPV1 protein identification.
- Fura-2 AM imaging for intracellular calcium changes.
- Patch-clamp electrophysiology for TRPV1 currents.
- Analysis of MAPK signaling and IL-6 release.
Main Results:
- TRPV1 gene and protein are expressed in HCF.
- Capsaicin (CAP) activated TRPV1 channels, causing calcium transients and currents.
- CAP induced IL-6 release via p38 MAPK signaling.
- TRPV1 inhibition or gene silencing blocked IL-6 increase.
Conclusions:
- Primary human corneal fibroblasts express functional TRPV1 channels.
- TRPV1 activation contributes to corneal inflammation and opacification post-injury.
- Targeting TRPV1 signaling may offer therapeutic strategies for corneal wound healing.
