Trans-differentiation of iris pigmented epithelial cells of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles into lens in vitro.

Abstract
Meshed pigmented iris epithelium along with neural retina of tadpoles of the frog Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis were found to undergo dedifferentiation and subsequently transdifferentiate into lens in culture medium. During lag period, depigmentation (dedifferentiation) occurred in many cells. When culture became confluent 3-4 weeks after seeding tiny lens like structures differentiated from foci of cultured pigmented iris epithelium cells. The percentage of lens formation was higher in vitamin A treated cases. The culture system appears to be a suitable for investigating the changes occurred during trans-differentiation of pigmented epithelial cells into lens.
Description
Keywords
Frog, Lens, Pigmented epithelial cells, Trans-differentiation
Citation
Sharma Manshi, Jangir O P, Jhajharia Sunita, Singh Sumer, Singh Vijay, Nagal Amit. Trans-differentiation of iris pigmented epithelial cells of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles into lens in vitro. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 2010 Jan; 48(1): 17-25.