Type VII collagen in the human accommodation system: Expression in ciliary body, zonules, and lens capsule

Bart Wullink, Hendri H. Pas, Roelofje J. van der Worp, Martin Schol, Sarah F. Janssen, Roel Kuijer, Leonoor I. Los

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE. To investigate intraocular expression of COL7A1 and its protein product type VII collagen, particularly at the accommodation system. METHODS. Eyes from 26 human adult donors were used. COL7A1 expression was analyzed in ex vivo ciliary epithelium by microarray. Type VII collagen distribution was examined by Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry. and immuno-electron microscopy. RESULTS. COL7A1 is expressed by pigmented and nonpigmented ciliary epithelia. Type VII collagen is distributed particularly at the strained parts of the accommodation system. Type VII collagen was associated with various basement membranes and with ciliary zonules. Anchoring fibrils were not visualized. CONCLUSIONS. Type VII collagen distribution at strained areas suggests a supporting role in tissue integrity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1075-1083
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume59
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Cite this