ANP Receptor Subtypes on Cells of the Aqueous Inflow and Outflow

Recent genetic evidence has raised the possibility that a particular protein in the eye (a neuropeptide receptor, ANPR-A) could be involved in the etiology of juvenile glaucoma in one family. This project aims to identify the location of this protein in tissues in the front of the eye, and to determine how the function of this protein and related proteins are controlled by hormonal and other factors in the eye. An understanding of how this protein functions may provide insights into this form of glaucoma. The ANP receptor subtypes will be distinguished by subtype preferences for various natriuretic peptides resulting in guanylate cyclase activation and by binding of labeled ANP to intact cells. Regulation of ANP receptor subtype function will be studied by measuring the effects of various hormones, neurotransmitters and other activators of second messenger pathways on natriuretic peptide stimulation of guanylate cyclase and labeled ANP binding to intact cells.