Conclusions
Copine1 is upregulated in plasma membranes of TM cells in individuals with POAG, which may be partly explained by its Ca(2+)-dependent translocation from the cytoplasm to the membranes. Investigation of the role and functions of copine1 in TM cells should offer new insight into the abnormal intracellular Ca(2+)-signaling pathway in glaucomatous TM and help to clarify the molecular mechanism of POAG.
Methods
Two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis profiles of membrane extracts from normal and glaucomatous TM cells were compared. The desired spots were identified after trypsin digestion and mass spectrometric analysis. Based on the
Purpose
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and its pathogenesis is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine molecular changes in membrane proteins in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells from POAG patients compared to those of age-matched normal controls.
Results
Real-time PCR and western blot analysis confirmed that copine1 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in glaucomatous TM cells when compared to normal ones. The cell distribution studies further showed that copine1 existed both in the membrane and cytoplasm fractions of glaucomatous TM cells but existed exclusively in cytoplasm fractions of their normal counterparts. More importantly, an influx of Ca(2+) markedly promoted the translocation of copine1 from the cytoplasm to membranes in glaucomatous TM cells. Conclusions: Copine1 is upregulated in plasma membranes of TM cells in individuals with POAG, which may be partly explained by its Ca(2+)-dependent translocation from the cytoplasm to the membranes. Investigation of the role and functions of copine1 in TM cells should offer new insight into the abnormal intracellular Ca(2+)-signaling pathway in glaucomatous TM and help to clarify the molecular mechanism of POAG.