Impact of galectin-3 on neurotrophic factor expression by PCR array: potential implications for the human cornea

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The cornea's dense innervation is crucial for ocular surface integrity and function.
• Corneal damage can alter the microenvironment, affecting innervation, healing, and sensation.
• The role of galectin-3, upregulated after injury, in corneal nerve regeneration is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of galectin-3 in regulating neurotrophic factor expression in human corneal cells.
• To determine how galectin-3 affects corneal epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and neuron-like cells.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pathway-focused PCR arrays to assess neurotrophic factor expression in primary human corneal epithelial cells and fibroblasts.
• Treated corneal fibroblasts and SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells with exogenous galectin-3.
• Measured the expression of specific genes related to neuronal function and differentiation.

Main Results:

• Corneal fibroblasts expressed higher levels of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and GDNF than epithelial cells.
• Galectin-3 did not significantly affect epithelial cells but increased IL6 secretion by fibroblasts.
• Galectin-3 stimulated FOS and LIF expression in SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells.

Conclusions:

• Galectin-3 influences neurotrophic factor expression in corneal fibroblasts, including increased IL6 secretion.
• Galectin-3 promotes the expression of genes involved in neural differentiation and survival in neuron-like cells.
• These in vitro findings suggest galectin-3 may modulate the neuronal response to corneal injury.