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Published on: April 3, 2016
Form-deprivation myopia induces decreased expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2, 5 in guinea pig sclera
Qing Wang1, Mei-Lan Xue2, Gui-Qiu Zhao1
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China.
Aim:
To identify the presence of various bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors in normal sclera of human, rat and guinea pigs, and to determine whether their expression changed with form-deprivation myopia (FDM) in guinea pig sclera.
Methods:
The expression of BMPs and BMP receptors were detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence. Two-week-old guinea pigs were monocularly form-deprived with a translucent lens. After fourteen days induction of FDM, total RNA was isolated and subjected to RT-PCR to examine the changes of BMPs and BMP receptors in tissues from the posterior sclera. Western blotting analysis was used to investigate their changes in protein levels.
Results:
Human sclera expressed mRNAs for BMP-2, -4, -5, -7, -RIA, -RIB and BMP-RII. Conversely, rat sclera only expressed mRNA for BMP-7 and BMP-RIB, while the expression of BMPs and BMP receptors in guinea pigs were similar to that of humans. Human sclera also expresses BMP-2, -4, -5,-7 in protein level. Fourteen days after the induction of myopia, significant decreased expressions for BMP-2 and BMP-5 in the posterior sclera of FDM-affected eyes (P<0.05 vs internal control eyes).
Conclusion:
Various BMPs were expressed in human and guinea pig sclera. In the posterior sclera, expressions of BMP-2 and BMP-5 significantly decreased in FDM eyes. This finding indicates that various BMPs as components of the scleral cytokines regulating tissue homeostasis and provide evidence that alterations in the expression of BMP-2 and BMP-5 are associated with sclera remodeling during myopia induction.
Insights
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are present in human and guinea pig sclera. Form-deprivation myopia (FDM) in guinea pigs led to decreased expression of BMP-2 and BMP-5 in posterior sclera, suggesting their role in myopia development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The sclera, a connective tissue, plays a crucial role in maintaining eye shape and refractive error.
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are signaling molecules involved in tissue development and homeostasis.
- Understanding scleral biology is vital for addressing myopia, a growing global health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of various BMPs and their receptors in human, rat, and guinea pig sclera.
- To determine if BMP and BMP receptor expression changes in guinea pig sclera during form-deprivation myopia (FDM).
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence were used to detect BMPs and their receptors.
- Guinea pigs underwent monocular FDM induction for 14 days.
- Western blotting analyzed protein level changes in posterior sclera.
Main Results:
- Human sclera expressed mRNAs for BMP-2, -4, -5, -7, -RIA, -RIB, and BMP-RII, with BMP-2, -4, -5, and -7 detected at the protein level.
- Rat sclera showed limited expression (BMP-7, BMP-RIB).
- FDM induction in guinea pigs significantly decreased posterior scleral expression of BMP-2 and BMP-5 (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- BMPs are expressed in human and guinea pig sclera, indicating their potential role in scleral function.
- Reduced expression of BMP-2 and BMP-5 in the posterior sclera is associated with FDM-induced myopia.
- These findings suggest BMPs are involved in scleral tissue remodeling during myopia development.
