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Published on: December 31, 2013
Immunohistochemical study of transient receptor potential Vanilloid (TRPV1-4) channels expression in human and rat
Akepogu Jacquelyn1, Bokara Kiran Kumar2, Sirisha Senthil3
1Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500034, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
Abstract:
Transient Receptor potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels are a group of cation channels that are expressed in a wide variety of tissues and are involved in regulating several cellular processes. An alteration in their expression and cellular localization is associated with various pathologies. In this study, we investigated the expression and localization of TRPV1-4 channels in human and rat corneas. TRPV 1-4 channels were found to be expressed in the epithelium, keratocytes, and endothelium of both species, which was confirmed at the gene and protein levels through PCR analysis and immunostaining. The channels were seen to be largely distributed at the cell membrane and cytoplasm, but the intensity of staining, quantified using Image J software, varied within and between cell layers. In addition, we found nuclear expression of these channels in corneal cells, and the same was quantified using ImageJ software. In both species, robust expression of TRPV1-4 channels, including in the cell nuclei, was noted in the epithelium and endothelium, compared to the stromal cells. This study provides evidence for the expression of TRPV2 and 3 channels, for which there is limited information in the corneal cells. In conclusion, this study confirms the expression of TRPV1-4 channels in the corneal cells of both species.
Insights
Transient Receptor potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels are present in human and rat corneas. This study confirms TRPV1-4 expression in corneal cells, including the nucleus, with varying intensity across layers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Transient Receptor potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels are crucial cation channels involved in numerous cellular functions.
- Aberrant expression and localization of TRPV channels are linked to various pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of TRPV1-4 channels in human and rat corneas.
- To provide new insights into the presence and distribution of TRPV2 and TRPV3 channels in corneal cells.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of gene and protein expression using PCR and immunostaining.
- Localization studies using ImageJ software for intensity quantification.
- Examination of TRPV channel distribution in corneal epithelium, keratocytes, and endothelium.
Main Results:
- TRPV1-4 channels are expressed in the epithelium, keratocytes, and endothelium of both human and rat corneas.
- Channels are primarily located at the cell membrane and cytoplasm, with notable nuclear expression.
- Expression intensity varied across cell layers, with robust TRPV1-4 presence in the epithelium and endothelium.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the expression of TRPV1-4 channels in corneal cells of both human and rat species.
- Provides evidence for TRPV2 and TRPV3 channel expression in corneal cells, expanding existing knowledge.
- Findings highlight the potential role of TRPV channels in corneal physiology and pathology.
