Effects of Dexamethasone on Mucins of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Jun, Byung Sung; Seo, Kyoung Yul; Kim, Eung Kweon; Lee, Jong Bok

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2002;43(12):2527-2533.
Published online December 1, 2002.

Effects of Dexamethasone on Mucins of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Byung Sung Jun, Kyoung Yul Seo, Eung Kweon Kim, Jong Bok Lee

Institute of Vision Research and Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 491209@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

Dexamethasone 이 각막상피세포의 뮤신에 미치는 영향

전병성 ( Byung Sung Jun ) , 서경률 ( Kyoung Yul Seo ) , 김응권 ( Eung Kweon Kim ) , 이종복 ( Jong Bok Lee )

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate whether mucin gene expression is regulated by glucocorticoid hormone in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The effects of dexamethasone on the expression of MUC1 and MUC4, two known mucins produced by corneal epithelial cells, were determined. METHODS: HCECs were cultured in medium supplemented with dexamethasone. The modulations of MUC1 and MUC4 expression by dexamethasone were investigated by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The expression of MUC1 mRNA and its protein were enhanced in HCECs by dexamethasone. However, the treatment of HCECs with dexamethasone caused a decrease in MUC4 mRNA and its protein. These effects of dexamethasone on the MUC1 and MUC4 were abolished by a glucocorticoid antagonist (RU486). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that dexamethasone is implicated in the expression of mucin in HCECs, and suggests that glucocorticoid receptor participates in the modulation of mucin production.

Key Words: Corneal epithelium;Human;Mucin;MUC1;MUC4