May 2007
Volume 48, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2007
A Molecular Genetic Test for Keratoconus With Potential for Detecting Subclinical Disease
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Y. S. Rabinowitz
    Ophthalmology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
  • Y. Tang
    Ophthalmology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships Y.S. Rabinowitz, P, P; Y. Tang, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support NIH 09052
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2007, Vol.48, 1852. doi:
  • Views
  • Share
  • Tools
    • Alerts
      ×
      This feature is available to authenticated users only.
      Sign In or Create an Account ×
    • Get Citation

      Y. S. Rabinowitz, Y. Tang; A Molecular Genetic Test for Keratoconus With Potential for Detecting Subclinical Disease. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2007;48(13):1852.

      Download citation file:


      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

      ×
  • Supplements
Abstract

Purpose:: To report preliminary data which could form the basis for a molecular genetic test for the early diagnosis of keratoconus

Methods:: Nine cornea transplant buttons, seven with keratoconus, two non-keratoconus buttons, epithelial rims from three normal donor corneas and normal epithelium procured at PRK surgery, were analyzed for Aquaporin 5(AQP5) and EL3(control gene) expression in a blind fashion. Total RNA from these specimens were analyzed for AQP5 expression by RT-PCR and real time PCR(polymerase chain reaction)

Results:: All the RNA extracted from normal specimens demonstrated AQP5 and EL3 expression, while RNA prepared from the keratoconus buttons demonstrated reduced AQP5 expression. Real time PCR measurements of corneal epithelial samples demonstrated a 36 fold difference in the expression ratios of the two genes in keratoconus specimens compared to normal controls

Conclusions:: Our preliminary data suggests that the suppression of AQP5 by PCR from epithelial biopsy specimens could serve as a marker for keratoconus and ultimately even possibly for early keratoconus

Keywords: gene/expression • cornea: basic science • keratoconus 
×
×

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

Sign in or purchase a subscription to access this content. ×

You must be signed into an individual account to use this feature.

×