Yeast two-hybrid analysis of a human trabecular meshwork cDNA library identified EFEMP2 as a novel PITX2 interacting protein.

Purpose: Mutations in the homeobox transcription factor paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) cause Axenfeld-Reiger syndrome (ARS), which is associated with anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) and glaucoma. To understand ARS pathogenesis, it is essential to know the normal functions of PITX2 and the proteins with which PITX2 interacts in the eye. Therefore, we used a unique cDNA library that we created from human trabecular meshwork (TM) primary cells to discover PITX2-interacting proteins (PIPs).

Human p32 is a novel FOXC1-interacting protein that regulates FOXC1 transcriptional activity in ocular cells.

Purpose: Mutations in the human forkhead box C1 gene (FOXC1) cause Axenfeld-Rieger (AR) malformations, often leading to glaucoma. Understanding the function of FOXC1 necessitates characterizing the proteins that interact with FOXC1. This study was undertaken to isolate FOXC1-interacting proteins and determine their effects on FOXC1.