Determining the Presence and Localization of NCKX5 in Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Determining the Presence and Localization of NCKX5 in Retinal Pigment Epithelium

SLC24A5 is a gene that has been recently discovered and is linked to differences in skin color. This gene encodes for a potassium-dependent sodium, calcium exchanger (Na:Ca:K isofrom 5) known as NCKX5. This protein has been found to play a major role in melanin production. Since NCKX5 (slc24a5) has been linked to play a significant role in melanin production and skin color, the goal of this project was to determine its impact and correlation on the susceptibility of age related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people who are fifty years or older in the United States. AMD is more prevalent in Caucasians rather than those of African descent. To execute this study the main goal was to demonstrate the presence and localization of NCKX5 in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Bystudying this aspect more can be learnt about NCKX5‘s role in melanin production inRPE cells. It was hypothesized that NCKX5 will be expressed in retinal pigment epithelial cells and will be partially localized in melanosomes. By conducting immunoblotting and immunochemistry experiments it was found that NCKX5 was expressed in RPE and is partially co-localized with melanosomes and pre-melanosomes.