Localization of Human Copper Transporter 1 in the Eye and its Role in Eales Disease

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element; however excess is toxic due to the pro-oxidant activity. Increased intracellular Cu levels in vitreous and monocyte were reported in Eales disease (ED) previously. Copper transporter1 (CTR1) maintains copper homeostasis and hence, we studied the presence of CTR1 in ocular tissues and its role in ED.

Real-time PCR, ELISA and Western blot experiments were performed in donor eyeballs tissues and PBMCs isolated from controls and ED. Immunostaining were performed for CTR1 from donor eyeballs and one ED case.

CTR1 protein was expressed in all ocular tissues. PBMCs showed a three-fold increase in CTR1 protein in ED when compared with controls. Retinal sections from ED patients also revealed increased CTR1 protein expression in retinal tissues, compared with control.

CTR1 was significantly increased in ED when compared with controls, indicating its considerable role in the ED pathology.