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Roles unveiled for membrane-associated mucins at the ocular surface using a Muc4 knockout mouse model
Rafael Martinez-Carrasco1, Satyanarayan Rachagani2, Surinder K Batra2,3,4
1New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center and Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
Scientific Reports
|August 21, 2023
Summary
Membrane-associated mucins (MAMs), like Muc4, are vital for ocular surface health. This study provides the first in vivo evidence of their role in barrier function, tear film stability, and epithelial cell architecture.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Surface Biology
- Epithelial Cell Biology
- Mucinology
Background:
- Membrane-associated mucins (MAMs) are crucial for ocular surface functions.
- In vivo evidence supporting these roles has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo roles of MAMs, specifically Muc4, at the ocular surface.
- To phenotype a Muc4 knockout (KO) mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical analysis of Muc4 expression patterns.
- Assessment of corneal barrier function using rose bengal staining.
- Evaluation of epithelial cell morphology and differentiation markers.
Main Results:
- Muc4 depletion compromised transcellular barrier function and tear film stability.
- Epithelial cell architecture was altered, with signs of incipient transdifferentiation.
- No inflammatory dry eye disease or altered Tlr4 signaling was observed.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first in vivo evidence for MAMs' roles in ocular surface barrier function, tear film stability, and epithelial differentiation.
- Muc4 is essential for maintaining normal corneal epithelial structure and function.
