High throughput gene expression analysis identifies reliable expression markers of human corneal endothelial cells.

Considerable interest has been generated for the development of suitable corneal endothelial graft alternatives through cell-tissue engineering, which can potentially alleviate the shortage of corneal transplant material. The advent of less invasive suture-less key-hole surgery options such as Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), which involve transplantation of solely the endothelial layer instead of full thickness cornea, provide further impetus for the development of alternative endothelial grafts for clinical applications. A major challenge for this endeavor is the lack of specific markers for this cell type.

MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in human diseases.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important endogenous regulators of gene expression. The specific regulation at both the transcription and the translation level (inhibition or mRNA degradation) opens an avenue to use these small RNA molecules as potential targets for the development of novel drugs as well as for the diagnosis of several human diseases. Important information about the role of a miRNA in disease can be deduced by mimicking or inhibiting its activity and examining its impact on the phenotype/behaviour of the cell or organism.