Characterization of a Novel Mouse Model for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

Purpose: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive blinding disorder, characterized by increased corneal endothelial excrescences (guttae), corneal endothelial cell loss, and edema. These symptoms are hypothesized to be caused by changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mitochondrial dysfunction in the corneal endothelium. Despite this clinical and biological relevance, a comprehensive animal model that recapitulates all the major disease characteristics is currently unavailable.

Rescue of the Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy Mouse Model by Adeno-Associated Viruse-Mediated Replacement.

Purpose: Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is a rare condition that manifests at an early age showing corneal edema, increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and eventually apoptosis of the endothelium due to loss of function of the membrane transport protein SLC4A11. This project tested whether replacing into the CHED mouse model can reverse the disease-associated phenotypes.

Design: Experimental study.

Roles of Eph-Ephrin Signaling in the Eye Lens Cataractogenesis, Biomechanics, and Homeostasis.

The eye lens is responsible for fine focusing of light onto the retina, and its function relies on tissue transparency and biomechanical properties. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of Eph-ephrin signaling for the maintenance of life-long lens homeostasis. The binding of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases to ephrin ligands leads to a bidirectional signaling pathway that controls many cellular processes.

Ocular Spot Fluorometer Equipped With a Lock-In Amplifier for Measurement of Aqueous Flare.

Purpose: To evaluate a custom-made ocular fluorometer for detection of intensity of light scatter (ILS) from the anterior chamber (A/C) as an objective measure of aqueous flare.

Methods: The fluorometer, equipped with a lock-in amplifier, was employed in the scatter mode to detect ILS from A/C. Measurements were performed with two illumination slit widths of 0.