Immunolocalization of beta ig-h3 protein in 5q31-linked corneal dystrophies and normal corneas

To characterize the relation of the beta ig-h3 protein to the diagnostic corneal deposits in the hereditary corneal dystrophies recently shown to have mutations in the beta ig-h3 gene on chromosome 5q31.

Corneas with lattice, granular, mixed granular-lattice ("Avellino"), and 2 types of Reis-Bücklers dystrophy were diagnosed by the histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of their abnormal aggregates. Dystrophic and normal corneas were compared for immunolocalization of beta ig-h3 protein.

In normal corneas, immunoreactivity for beta ig-h3 protein was strongest in the Bowman layer, and next strong along stromal interlamellar junctions and attachment sites of collagen to the Descemet membrane. Antibody binding was intense on all dystrophic aggregates, mimicking somewhat the normal protein distribution. Mixed granular-lattice dystrophy had the most variation in beta ig-h3-immunopositive forms. The aggregates in both the "rod-shaped" Reis-Bücklers type and the "curly fiber" Thiel-Behnke type were strongly stained for beta ig-h3 protein, consistent with mutations on the beta ig-h3 gene.

The marked immunopositivity for beta ig-h3 protein in the abnormal deposits in these dystrophies indicates that beta ig-h3 protein is a major component. The variety and quantity of immunopositive forms suggests that they consist primarily of the mutant protein, self-polymerizing and/or incorrectly binding to other corneal components. Variability of forms may relate to both the specific mutation and regional interactions of this protein.