Prox1 is differentially localized during lens development

Mech Dev. 2002 Mar;112(1-2):195-8. doi: 10.1016/s0925-4773(01)00645-1.

Abstract

Prox1, the vertebrate cognate of Drosophila Prospero, is a homeodomain protein essential for the development of the lens, liver and lymphatic system. While it is well established that the subcellular distribution of Prospero changes during development, this had not been demonstrated for Prox1. Here, high-resolution confocal microscopy demonstrated that Prox1 protein is predominately cytoplasmic in the lens placode as well as the lens epithelium and germinative zone throughout development. However during fiber cell differentiation, Prox1 protein redistributes to cell nuclei. Finally, as lens fiber cells condense their chromatin in response to lens denucleation, Prox1 remains in the nucleus but does not appear to interact with DNA. Thus, it appears that the function of Prox1, like that of its Drosophila cognate Prospero, is at least partially controlled by changes in its subcellular distribution during development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Chick Embryo
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lens, Crystalline / embryology*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Transcription Factors*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • pros protein, Drosophila
  • prospero-related homeobox 1 protein