MOUSE MYOCILIN (MYOC) GENE-EXPRESSION IN OCULAR-TISSUES

Human myocilin is identical to TIGR (trabecular meshwork inducible glu cocorticoid response) which is responsible for the pathogenesis of juv enile onset primary open angle glaucoma (GLC1A). We have isolated cDNA for mouse myocilin (Myoc) and investigated mouse myocilin gene expres sion in ocular tissues with in situ RNA hybridization. Hybridization s ignals were observed in the iris, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, s clera, and retina in the mouse eye. The marked signals were seen in tr abecular meshwork cells and the anterior portion of sclera. These find ings suggest that myocilin mutation could affect the capacity of aqueo us outflow and cause elevation of the intraocular pressure which is in volved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, (C) 1998 Academic Press.