Biopolymers and cell. 1998; 14 (1): 29 - 38

Study of expression pattern of mucin genes in human conjunctiva

I. I. Gut, P. Ellingam, D. Easti, G. S. Semenova

The expression pattern of mucin genes in human tissues has been the subject of intensive research in recent years. Different meethods were used to accomplish this aim, including Northern and Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. The aim of this study was to assess t/ie expression of mucin genes in human conjunctiva, using the in situ hybridization technique with specific oligonucteotide probes. The results demonstrate expression of MUC4 and MUC5AC genes in the epithelial layer of the conjunctiva. The importance of these mucins in the function of the preocular mucus layer and in tear film formation remains to be elucidated. Based on their known function in other human tissues, one can suggest tliat they may play an important role in stabilising and maintenance of the preocular mucus layer.