The lens is a transparent organ at the front of the eye that transmits and focuses light onto the retina. The proliferative abilities of the cellular components of the lens contribute to its ability to grow throughout an individual’s life. The lens consists of two main cell types: epithelial cells and fiber cells. There is a single layer of quiescent epithelial cells on the anterior surface of the lens. Posterior to this layer, near the equator of the lens, is a germinative zone of epithelial cells. These cells elongate and differentiate into the second cell type, lens fiber cells. The life-long proliferative abilities of lens epithelial cells make them a source of experimental interest. The 21EM15 cell line is a mouse lens epithelial-derived cell line that is commonly used in eye research. There are unique complexities that exist when using in vitro methods of experimentation. Specifically, the similarity between cultured tissue and native tissue is often assumed rather than tested. We aim to characterize the nature of 21EM15 cells by comparing the genes they express to native epithelial and fiber cells.
Author(s): Kaitlyn Rychcik, Jacob M. Weaver, Anil Upreti, Brad Wagner, Michael L. Robinson
Advisor(s): Michael Robinson, Biology
Anil Upreti, Biology, Jacob Weaver, Biology
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