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Influence of Vitamin D on Corneal Epithelial Cell Desmosomes and Hemidesmosomes

Xiaowen Lu1, Mitchell A Watsky1,2

  • 1Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 28, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vitamin D receptor knockout mice show weakened corneal epithelial attachment due to reduced desmosome and hemidesmosome proteins. Vitamin D3 influences these cell junctions, impacting corneal adhesion.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in various physiological processes.
  • Impaired epithelial attachment in VDR knockout (VDR KO) mice suggests a potential role for VDR in maintaining corneal epithelial integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of VDR deficiency on corneal epithelial desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.
  • To determine the role of Vitamin D3 metabolites in regulating these cell junction proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR) to assess transcript levels of desmosome and hemidesmosome proteins in VDR KO corneas.
  • Western blotting and immunochemistry to detect protein expression in cultured cells treated with Vitamin D3 metabolites (1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3).

Main Results:

  • VDR KO mice exhibited decreased mRNA and protein levels of desmosomal proteins (DSG1, DSC2) and hemidesmosomal protein (plectin).
  • Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3 increased DSG1 protein in VDR WT and VDR KO cells.
  • 24R,25(OH)2D3 specifically enhanced plectin and integrin β4 in VDR WT cells, while decreasing them in VDR KO cells, indicating both VDR-dependent and independent pathways.

Conclusions:

  • VDR deficiency leads to reduced expression of key desmosomal and hemidesmosomal proteins, contributing to weakened corneal epithelial adhesion.
  • Vitamin D3 metabolites are involved in the formation and regulation of these cell junctions.
  • Evidence suggests the existence of a VDR-independent pathway in Vitamin D3's regulation of corneal epithelial junctions.

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