Protein analysis of the plaques in congenital cataracts

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) Vol. 95; no. S259
• Main Authors: Van Looveren, J., Van Gerwen, V., Schildermans, K., Laukens, K., Baggerman, G., Tassignon, M.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-09-2017
• Subjects: Actin; Cataracts; Children; Collagen (type I); Epithelial cells; Fibronectin; Keratin; Mesenchyme; Plaques; Protein composition; Proteins; Proteomes; Surgery; Vimentin
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.03164

Purpose
To identify the protein composition of posterior capsular plaques (PCP) in congenital idiopathic unilateral cataract with anterior vitreolenticular interface dysgenesis (AVLID).
Methods
Samples of PCP's were collected during cataract surgery in children with congenital unilateral cataract presenting with a PCP and with vitreolenticular adherences observed during posterior capsulorhexis procedure. Proteome analysis was performed on the collected PCPs.
Results
PCP collection and proteome analysis was feasible from four children. A large portion of the proteins found in the PCPs were similar to the proteins known to be present in lens epithelial cells and fibers. Proteins like vimentin, fibronectin, actin, collagen type I, collagen type VI, lumican and keratin were also found which typically are present in mesenchymal tissue but not in lens tissue or capsule.
Conclusions
Cases of unilateral idiopathic congenital cataract with AVLID typically present with a PCP. The protein composition in these PCPs, measured by means of proteome analysis, includes atypical proteins for lens and lens capsule and may be suggestive for an epitheliomesenchymal transformation (EMT).