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S100 A and B expression in normal and inflamed human limbus
Mario Nubile1, Manuela Lanzini, Roberta Calienno
1Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmology Clinic, University G. D'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Molecular Vision
|February 5, 2013
Summary
Normal limbal epithelial cells strongly express S100 proteins, particularly S100 A4 and A9 in crypts. Inflammation dramatically reduces S100 protein expression, suggesting their use as early markers for stem cell niche changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The human limbus serves as a crucial stem cell niche for corneal epithelium maintenance.
- S100 proteins are calcium-binding proteins involved in various cellular functions.
- Understanding S100 protein expression in the limbus is vital for ocular surface health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of S100 A and B family proteins in the normal human limbus.
- To analyze how S100 protein expression is altered in inflammatory conditions of the limbus.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate S100 protein expression in normal and inflamed human limbal tissues.
- Analysis focused on total S100 proteins and specific members: S100 A4, A8, A9, and B.
- Samples included limbal epithelial crypts (LECs) from healthy donors and inflamed limbi.
Main Results:
- Total S100 proteins showed strong cytoplasmic expression in 100% of normal limbal epithelial crypts (LECs).
- S100 A4 and S100 A9 were uniformly expressed in LECs of healthy samples.
- Inflamed limbal tissues exhibited a dramatic decrease or complete absence of S100 protein expression.
Conclusions:
- Normal limbal epithelial cells, especially crypts, exhibit significant S100 protein expression, with S100 A4 and A9 being prominent.
- Inflammation leads to a marked reduction in S100 protein expression within the limbus.
- S100 proteins, particularly S100 A4 and S100 A9, may serve as valuable biomarkers for detecting early inflammatory changes in ocular stem cell niches.
