Calpain-5 gene expression in the mouse eye and brain
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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses
Published on: October 10, 2025
Kellie Schaefer1, MaryAnn Mahajan1, Anuradha Gore1
1Omics Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
Objective:
Our objective was to characterize CAPN5 gene expression in the mouse central nervous system. Mouse brain and eye sections were probed with two high-affinity RNA oligonucleotide analogs designed to bind CAPN5 RNA and one scramble, control oligonucleotide. Images were captured in brightfield.
Results:
CAPN5 RNA probes were validated on mouse breast cancer tumor tissue. In the eye, CAPN5 was expressed in the ganglion cell, inner nuclear and outer nuclear layers of the retina. Signal could not be detected in the ciliary body or the iris because of the high density of melanin. In the brain, CAPN5 was expressed in the granule cell layers of the hippocampus and cerebellum. There was scattered expression in pons. The visual cortex showed faint signal. Most signal in the brain was in a punctate pattern.
Insights
This study mapped calpain 5 (CAPN5) gene expression in the mouse central nervous system. CAPN5 RNA was detected in the retina, hippocampus, and cerebellum, with a punctate pattern in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Calpains are calcium-dependent proteases involved in various cellular processes.
- The specific role and expression patterns of CAPN5 in the central nervous system are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the gene expression of CAPN5 within the mouse central nervous system.
- To identify specific brain and retinal regions where CAPN5 is expressed.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was performed on mouse brain and eye sections.
- High-affinity RNA oligonucleotide probes specific for CAPN5 RNA were utilized.
- Brightfield microscopy was used for image capture.
Main Results:
- CAPN5 RNA expression was observed in the ganglion cell, inner nuclear, and outer nuclear layers of the retina.
- In the brain, CAPN5 expression was found in the granule cell layers of the hippocampus and cerebellum, with scattered expression in the pons and faint signal in the visual cortex.
- The observed brain signal exhibited a predominantly punctate pattern.
Conclusions:
- CAPN5 exhibits a distinct expression pattern in specific neuronal populations within the mouse retina and central nervous system.
- These findings provide a foundation for investigating the functional roles of CAPN5 in these neural tissues.
