Regulation of limbal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation by TAp63 and ΔNp63 transcription factors

PURPOSE. To examine the effects of TAp63 and ΔNp63 on the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit limbal keratinocytes cultured on human amniotic membrane. METHOD. Real-time Q-RT-PCR was used to quantify the relative abundance of TAp63 and ΔNp63 transcripts in limbal, peripheral corneal, and central corneal epithelia. Antisense oligonucleotides were designed specifically to suppress the expression of TAp63 or ΔNp63 in limbal keratinocytes, and their effects on cell proliferation and differentiation were examined. Immunofluorescence was used to examine the expressions of p63 and keratin-3 and -14. RESULTS. The expressions of TAp63 and ΔNp63 transcripts appeared to be site specific. TAp63 was expressed at the highest level in limbus, decreased by approximately 10-fold in peripheral cornea and was undetectable in the central cornea. ΔNp63 was also expressed at the highest level in limbus, decreased by approximately 35% in peripheral cornea, and was undetectable in the central cornea. Suppression of TAp63 expression inhibited limbal keratinocyte proliferation but promoted differentiation. Suppression of ΔNp63 expression also inhibited cell proliferation but had no obvious effect on cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS. TAp63 and ΔNp63 affect the proliferation of limbal keratinocytes by a different mechanism. The inhibition by TAp63 antisense oligos appeared to be secondary to the promotion of cell differentiation. In contrast, the inhibition by ΔNp63 antisense oligos appeared to be independent of cell differentiation.