Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Function of meibomian gland: Contribution of proteins
M Vimalin Jeyalatha1, Yangluowa Qu1, Zhen Liu1
1Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
Abstract:
The meibomian gland is the major contributor to the tear film lipid layer. It is generally accepted that meibomian gland secretions, i.e, meibum, play a critical role in the homeostasis of the tear film. Lipid components of meibum and their structure, as well as functions were intensively studied. However, the proteins from meibum have not attracted enough attention. This review summarizes current knowledge about protein components of the meibum, particularly their function on tear film and ocular surface, and changes in the proteins during meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Accessory Structures of the Eye
Exocrine Glands: Types of Secretions
Serous glands produce watery secretions rich in digestive enzymes and proteins. The constituent cells of the serous gland have centrally located nuclei and eosinophilic secretory granules in the cytoplasm. The parotid gland is an example of a serous gland. It secretes saliva, which contains enzymes, such as lipases and...
Exocrine Glands: Methods of Secretion
Merocrine Secretion
Merocrine secretion is the most common type of exocrine secretion. The secretions are enclosed in vesicles and moved to the cell's apical surface, where the contents are released by exocytosis. For example, mucous, a watery secretion rich in the glycoprotein mucin, is a merocrine secretion. The eccrine...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is...

