Figure 2. Structural alteration and stress responses in Epha2^−/− lens.

(A–D) Expression of ephrin-A1, a ligand for EPHA2. Note the disorganized ephrin-A1 expression and formation of vacuoles in the Epha2^−/− lens (arrow heads). Scale bars: 1 mm for A and C; 10 µm for B and D. (E,F) N-cadherin staining showing disorganization of lens fiber cells. Scale bars: 5 µm. (G) Overexpression of HSP25 but not HSP90 in Epha2^−/− lens which was quantified in (H), and confirmed by immunofluorescence staining (I). Scale bars: 40 µm. (J) Immunoblot for phosphorylated HSP25 revealed relatively low degree of phosphorylation in Epha2^−/− lens.