Expression of E6/E7 or SV40 large T antigen-coding oncogenes in human corneal endothelial cells indicates regulated high-proliferative capacity.

Abstract

This study suggests that human corneal endothelial cells have a high capacity for proliferation. Thus, cell division is normally controlled in human corneal endothelial cells by poorly characterized, but efficient, mechanisms. Because the E6 and E7 proteins, as well as the SV40 large T antigen, specifically bind to and interfere with the activity of the retinoblastoma (RB) and p53 tumor suppressor proteins, our results suggest that these proteins have critical roles in regulating the proliferation of human corneal endothelial cells.