RPE65 of retinal pigment epithelium, a putative receptor molecule for plasma retinol-binding protein, is expressed in human keratinocytes.

Retinoids are important modulators for cell growth and differentiation of normal skin. In plasma, retinol is transported coupled to plasma retinol-binding protein. In this study, we investigated gene and protein expression of RPE65, a putative receptor for plasma retinol-binding protein in human epidermal keratinocytes. We performed real-time PCR analysis to evaluate expression of RPE65 mRNA in proliferating and differentiating keratinocytes. Immunoblotting with anti-RPE65 antibody shows distinct reactivity to a 61-kDa protein. Indirect immunofluorescence on normal human epidermis reveals cell surface labeling of keratinocytes. Laser scan microscopy exhibits colocalization of plasma retinol-binding protein and RPE65 on cultured keratinocytes. Internalization experiments with [3H]retinoic acid-retinol-binding protein complex in the presence and absence of excess of retinol-binding protein indicates receptor-dependent uptake of retinoids. We further show isolation of RPE65 protein by affinity chromatography from lysates of keratinocytes using a retinol-binding protein-matrix gel column. In summary, we demonstrate mRNA and protein expression of RPE65 in epidermal keratinocytes. Colocalization of plasma retinol-binding protein with RPE65 and affinity binding suggest a direct interaction of RPE65 with plasma retinol-binding protein in cultured human keratinocytes that might be involved in retinoid uptake of keratinocytes.