Differential expression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in bullous keratopathy corneas

• Published in: Molecular vision Vol. 16; pp. 161 - 166
• Main Authors: Strzalka-Mrozik, Barbara, Stanik-Walentek, Agnieszka, Kapral, Malgorzata, Kowalczyk, Malgorzata, Adamska, Jolanta, Gola, Joanna, Mazurek, Urszula
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Molecular Vision 05.02.2010
• Subjects: Aged; Cornea - metabolism; Cornea - pathology; Corneal Diseases - genetics; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Protein Isoforms - genetics; Protein Isoforms - metabolism; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Transforming Growth Factor beta - genetics; Transforming Growth Factor beta - metabolism
• ISSN: 1090-0535; 1090-0535

The aim of this study was to investigate transcriptional activities of genes encoding transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms in bullous keratopathy corneas. The study group consisted of 45 patients with bullous keratopathy (22 females and 23 males). The control group included 45 corneal donors (21 females and 24 males). Quantification of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 mRNAs was performed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (QRT-PCR). TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 mRNAs were detected in both normal and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) corneas. We found significantly lower transcriptional activity of TGF-beta3 mRNA in bullous keratopathy corneas compared to normal tissues. TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 expressions were at the same level in both PBK and healthy corneas. Downregulation of TGF-beta3 gene expression may play a significant role in molecular changes observed in bullous keratopathy.