Keratocan Expression Is Increased in the Stroma of Keratoconus Corneas

摘要: BACKGROUND: Keratoconus is a noninflammatory disease characterized by thinning and scarring of the central portion cornea. The etiology unclear. In this study, we sought to identify mRNAs that are differentially expressed in stroma keratoconus corneas comparison those from normal individuals patients with other corneal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total RNA was isolated stromal layer human, keratoconus, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy corneas. cDNA synthesized PCR-select subtractive hybridization experiments were performed. genes noted verified dot blot analysis, cloned, sequenced. Immunohistochemical staining, situ hybridization, and/or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction used assess expression identified at protein mRNA levels normal, diseased RESULTS: A number found be up-regulated specimens. These included heat shock 90, decorin, fibronectin, ferritin heavy chain, keratocan. Among them, keratocan transcript demonstrated higher level specifically stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Keratocan stoma increased This up-regulation appears specific. one three keratan sulfate proteoglycans cornea speculated important for structure matrix maintenance transparency. overexpressed may conceivably alter fibrillogenesis stroma, leading structural defects contributing development keratoconus.