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Impressum
Gene expression in keratoconus stroma
1Bochert A., 2Berlau J., 1Guthoff R. F.
1Department of Ophtalmology, University of Rostock, Doberaner Str. 140, 18057 Rostock, Germany; 2Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena
Objective: Keratoconus is an ocular non-inflammatory disease characterized
by progressive thinning and scaring of the central cornea. Clinical studies
provide strong indications of a major role for genes in its etiology.
Our purpose was to examine the genetic manifestation of 5600 human genes
in the stroma with special regard to up and down regulation of possible
involved components.
Methods: The stroma of 2 corneas were compared from a patient with
keratoconus and one with Phthisis bulbi. First RNA was isolated according
to manufacturers instruction (Quiagen, Hilden, Germany), followed by synthesis
of cDNA and production of biotin-labelled cRNA. Hybridization procedures
were performed according to the manufacturers recommendation. Results
were analysed using Gene Chip 3.1 Analysis Suite Software.
Results: In the stroma of keratokonus cornea we found an upregulation
of collagen XV, keratin 4, 5, 19, metalloproteases and alpha-2 macroglobulin.
A downregulation was observed in keratinocyte growth factor, collagen
IV, cytokeratin 15,17, elafin, small proline-rich proteine 1, stratum
corneum chymotryptic enzyme and fibronectin.
Conclusion: Since the stroma of keratokonus patients is thinned
and less keratocytes are observed the downregulation of collagen IV, cytokeratins,
fibronectin and the keratinocyte growth factor is likely. The upregulation
of collagen XV, keratin and metalloproteases which are involved in wound
healing processes and the collagenase inhibitor a-2-MG may play a role
in the disorder of the extracellular matrix by inhibition of collagen
degradation and incorrect fibrill assessment. The processes of degradation
and remodeling seem to be affected by the imbalance of extrazellular order
in the stroma in keratokonus.