Purpose: To investigate intraocular expression of COL7A1 and its protein product type VII collagen, particularly at the accommodation system.
Methods: Eyes from 26 human adult donors were used. COL7A1 expression was analyzed in ex vivo ciliary epithelium by microarray. Type VII collagen distribution was examined by Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry. and immuno-electron microscopy.
Results: COL7A1 is expressed by pigmented and nonpigmented ciliary epithelia. Type VII collagen is distributed particularly at the strained parts of the accommodation system. Type VII collagen was associated with various basement membranes and with ciliary zonules. Anchoring fibrils were not visualized.
Conclusions: Type VII collagen distribution at strained areas suggests a supporting role in tissue integrity.