Influence of Vitamin D on Corneal Epithelial Cell Desmosomes and Hemidesmosomes

Purpose: We have observed noticably weak epithelial attachment in vitamin D receptor knockout mice (VDR KO) undergoing epithelial debridement. We hypothesized that VDR KO negatively affects corneal epithelial cell desmosomes and/or hemidesmosomes. Methods: Transcript levels of desmosome and hemidesmosome proteins in VDR KO corneas were assessed by qPCR. Western blotting and immunochemistry were used to detect proteins in cultured cells exposed...