Transmembrane Protein 114 (TMEM114)

TMEM114 contains 4 transmembrane domains and belongs to the protein family containing lens intrinsic membrane protein-2 (LIM2). TMEM114 is conserved across chimp, mouse, rat, dog, chicken, and zebrafish. RT-PCR of adult mouse tissues detected Tmem114 expression in eye, brain, and testis only. In situ hybridization showed Tmem114 expression in embryonic mouse eye at day 13.5. Expression was upregulated postnatally in epithelial lens cells, central anterior epithelial cells, and in the equatorial region of the lens. Expression was present above the equator where epithelial cells changed from a cuboidal to a columnar shape and in the transitional zone below the equator where cells became elongated in their differentiation to fiber cells. Tmem114 expression was reduced as fiber cells terminally differentiated and matured.