Corneal KS

Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the eye in horizontal section indicating each ocular component, a, corneal epithelium b, keratocyte c, corneal endothelium d, aqueous humor e, conjunctiva /, sclera g, trabecular meshwork h, iris i, lens /, ciliary zonule and body k, vitreous /, retina m, interphotoreceptor matrix n, retinal pigment epithelium o, Bruch s membrane p, choroid q, optic nerve head r, lamina cribrosa extraocular muscles and tissues. The candidate glycosaminoglycans involved in the ocular components of each eye disease described in this chapter are as follows macular corneal dystrophy (b, c KS, CS/DS, HA), glaucoma (d HA g CS/DS, HS, HA q, r CS, HS, HA), cataract r. CS/DS, HS, HA), diabetic retinopathy (fc HA / HS), retinal detach-ment/proliferative vitreoretinopathy k, I, m, n CS/DS, HS, HA), myopia (f, p CS), thyroid eye disease (s CS, HA), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (c, d, g, h, i, j KS, CS/DS, HA). KS, keratan sulfate CS/DS, chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate HS, heparan sulfate HA, hyaluronan.

A number of recent reports have identified KS associated with epithelial surfaces. In adult tissues, keratinocytes, uterine endometrial cells, corneal endothelium, sebaceous gland, salivary gland, and sweat gland epithelia exhibit KS immunoreactivity [30-32]. Additionally KS is expressed by epithelial-derived carcinoma cells [33, 34]. Recently the endometrial protein MUCl was shown to bear KS chains [35]. This glycoprotein is a common component of the mucin layer associated with apical surfaces of secretory epithelia and could be responsible for the KS observed in many of these glandular surfaces. Another cell-surface molecule CD44 has been... 

Mannermaa E, VeUonen KS, Urtti A. Drug transport in corneal epithelium and blood-retina barrier Emerging role of transporters in ocular pharmacokinetics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2006 58 1136-1163. 

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