Expression of junctional adhesion molecule-1 in human corneal epithelium.docVIP

 PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 17 Expression of junctional adhesion molecule-1 in human corneal epithelium Author: Li-Zhong Chen, Jing Hong, Nobuyuki Ebihara, Akira Murakami Abstract Abstract AIM: To investigate the expression and distribution of junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1) in human corneal epithelium and compare with that of occludin. METHODS: The expression in RNAs of JAM-1 and occludin was revealed by RT -PCR and the presence of protein was analyzed by the FACS method. Double immunofluorescent staining was used to determine the tissue distribution of JAM-1 and occludin in human corneal epithelium. RESULTS: The expression of JAM-1 and occludin was found in cultured human corneal epithelial cells. The double immunofluorescent study showed positive staining for JAM-1 at cell borders in the entire epithelial layer, while relatively extensive staining was seen in the superficial layer, where it coexisted with the expression of occludin. CONCLUSION: JAM-1 was expressed in entire layer of human corneal epithelium encircling the cells. Keywords: junction adhesion molecule-1; occludin; tight junction INTRODUCTION The cornea which is found in the outermost part of the eye serves as the frontal barrier of the whole eyeball. It provides a biodefense barrier to the ever-changing external environment, protecting the eye not only from biological and chemical abuse, but also from penetration of tear fluid and its chemical constituents. Four types of intercellular junctions have been identified in the corneal epithelium: gap junctions, desmosomes, adherent junctions, and tight junctions (TJs). TJ functions as the seal between cells, forming the primary barrier to restrict the free diffusion of fluids, electrolytes, molecules and cells through paracellular pathways. TJ plays a central role in the regulation of paracellular permeability, and is also crucial in the generation and maintenance of cellular polarity in endothelial and epithelial cells