Purpose. To identify the proteins in the corneal droplets of climatic droplet keratopathy (CDK), a disease that results in the formation of droplets on the cornea. Progressive accumulation of droplets in CDK leads to visual loss.
Methods. Proteomic mass spectrometry of the CDK specimens was performed after fractionation of proteins on a 4-20% SDS-PAGE. Droplets were derived from two human donors. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies were performed to confirm the presence of identified proteins on donor tissues from CDK patients and controls.
Results. Proteomic analyses revealed identification of 105 proteins in CDK specimens. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed localization of Annexin A2 and Glyceraldehyde 3-dehydrogenase (GAPDH), protein identified by proteomic analyses in CDK specimens. Identified proteins were subjected to analyses utilizing
Conclusion. About 105 proteins have been identified in CDK specimens and a subset of them has been confirmed using immunohistochemistry. A number of these bear the potential of fibril or deposit formation.