Modification of ocular defects in mouse developmental glaucoma models by tyrosinase

Science. 2003 Mar 7;299(5612):1578-81. doi: 10.1126/science.1080095.

Abstract

Mutations in the cytochrome P450 family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1 (CYP1B1) gene are a common cause of human primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Here we show that Cyp1b1-/- mice have ocular drainage structure abnormalities resembling those reported in human PCG patients. Using Cyp1b1-/- mice, we identified the tyrosinase gene (Tyr) as a modifier of the drainage structure phenotype, with Tyr deficiency increasing the magnitude of dysgenesis. The severe dysgenesis in eyes lacking both CYP1B1 and TYR was alleviated by administration of the tyrosinase product dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-dopa). Tyr also modified the drainage structure dysgenesis in mice with a mutant Foxc1 gene, which is also involved in PCG. These experiments raise the possibility that a tyrosinase/l-dopa pathway modifies human PCG, which could open new therapeutic avenues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Albinism, Ocular / genetics
  • Albinism, Ocular / pathology
  • Animals
  • Anterior Eye Segment / abnormalities*
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / deficiency
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / genetics
  • Cornea / abnormalities
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Glaucoma / congenital*
  • Glaucoma / enzymology
  • Glaucoma / genetics*
  • Glaucoma / pathology
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Iris / abnormalities
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage
  • Levodopa / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / deficiency
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / genetics*
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Pregnancy
  • Trabecular Meshwork / abnormalities
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • FOXC1 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxc1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Levodopa
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases
  • CYP1B1 protein, human
  • Cyp1b1 protein, mouse
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase