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Enolase in the avian and turtle lens
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.
Current Eye Research
|February 1, 1990
Summary
This study characterizes alpha-enolase in avian and turtle lenses. Alpha-enolase is a major protein in the lens epithelium but present in lower amounts in fiber cells, with varying activity across species.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Comparative Ophthalmology
Background:
- Enolase is a key dimeric enzyme (100,000 daltons) in the glycolytic pathway.
- Understanding lens enzyme distribution is crucial for eye physiology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize alpha-enolase from chicken lens epithelium.
- To compare the distribution and activity of enolase in chicken, duck, and turtle lenses.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme characterization of chicken lens epithelium.
- Comparative analysis of enolase distribution in epithelial and fiber cells of chicken, duck, and turtle lenses.
Main Results:
- Chicken lens epithelium contains an active, dimeric alpha-enolase.
- Enolase constitutes a significant portion of water-soluble protein in the epithelium (4-46%) across species.
- Enolase is found in trace amounts in chicken and duck fiber cells but is abundant and largely inactive in turtle fiber cells.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-enolase is a major protein in the lens epithelium of the studied species.
- Enolase distribution and activity vary significantly between lens regions and species, suggesting specialized roles.
- The high concentration of inactive enolase in turtle lens fiber cells warrants further investigation.