PTBP-dependent PSD-95 and CamKIIα alternative splicing in the lens

摘要

PurposeParallels described between neurons and lens fiber cells include detailed similarities in sub-cellular structures that increasingly show shared expression of genes involved in the construction and function of these structures in neurons. Intriguingly, associated modes of molecular regulation of these genes that had been thought to distinguish neurons have been identified in the lens as well. Both elongated cell types form membrane protrusions with similar size, shape, and spacing that exclude microtubules, contain F-actin, and are coated with the clathrin/AP-2 adaptor. Lenses express glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors with signaling and channel proteins shown to act together at neuronal membranes. Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKIIα) expression and functions illustrate the integration of aspects of neuronal molecular and cell biology and were investigated here in the lens.