Myocilin expression in the astrocytes of the optic nerve head

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 Oct 5;276(3):1129-35. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3591.

Abstract

We investigated the expression of myocilin in the optic nerve head of porcine eyes by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Myocilin was localized in the nucleus, centrosome, glial filament, mitochondria, and some parts of the cell membranes of the astrocytes. Myocilin was also detected at the edge-feet portion of the processes of astrocytes adjacent to the inner limiting membrane and blood vessel wall. The astrocytes are the major cell population in the optic nerve head, contributing to the architecture of the nerve axon and blood vessels. Therefore, myocilin gene mutation and change of myocilin protein are likely to affect the architecture of the optic nerve head and induce various forms of glaucomatous optic nerve damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / chemistry*
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Astrocytes / ultrastructure
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Cell Nucleus / chemistry
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Centrosome / chemistry
  • Centrosome / ultrastructure
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Eye / innervation
  • Eye Proteins / analysis*
  • Eye Proteins / genetics
  • Glaucoma / genetics
  • Glaucoma / pathology
  • Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Mitochondria / chemistry
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure
  • Mutation
  • Optic Nerve / blood supply
  • Optic Nerve / chemistry*
  • Optic Nerve / cytology
  • Optic Nerve / ultrastructure
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / genetics
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • Swine

Substances

  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Eye Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • trabecular meshwork-induced glucocorticoid response protein