Analysis of expression of regulatory genes Pax6, Prox1, and Pitx2 in differentiating eye cells in human fetus

Expression of transcription factors PAX6, PROX1, and PITX2 was evaluated in eye tissues after 9.5 and 22.0 weeks of human fetus development using polymerase chain reaction. Pax6, Prox1 and Pitx2 expression has been revealed in the cornea, lens, retina, and eye membranes (total preparation of the pigment epithelium, choroid, and sclera) after 9.5 weeks of prenatal development with the maximum expression of Pax6 gene in all studied tissues. After 22.0 weeks of development, Pax6 expression increased in the retina and lens but decreased in the cornea. Insignificant levels of Pax6 transcription have been detected in the eye membranes. Prox1 expression was apparent in the cornea, lens, retina, and eye membranes after 9.5 weeks. After 22.0 weeks, Prox1 expression increased in the lens and retina, decreased in the cornea, and was undetectable in the eye membranes. High level of Pitx2 expression has been revealed in all studied eye tissues after 9.5 weeks with the lowest transcription level observed in the retina. After 22.0 weeks, Pitx2 expression notably decreased in the lens and cornea and became undetectable in the retina and eye membranes. The differential pattern of Pax6, Prox1 and Pitx2 expression in developing human eye tissues after 9.5 and 22.0 weeks of development agrees with our histological data.