Spatial and temporal localization of caveolin-1 protein in the developing retina.

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the signature protein of caveolae is expressed in several cell types in the adult retina and is linked to ocular pathologies including uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and primary open angle glaucoma. Genetic ablation of Cav-1 causes retinal functional deficits due to disruptions in environmental homeostasis. To better understand Cav-1 function in the retina, we examined its expression/localization during postnatal retinal development. From P0-P5, Cav-1 was detected only in the developing superficial retinal vessels, in hyaloid and choroidal vasculature, and in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). At P7, staining began to be observed centrally in radial cells in the neuroretina, and this staining increased dramatically by P9/10 in identifiable Müller glia. Prominent vascular staining continued throughout development. These results support the idea that Cav-1 is an indicator of Müller glial differentiation and suggests that it plays an important role in Müller cell function.