Inter-Eye Molecular Discrepancies in the Corneal Epithelium Point to TFRC in the Keratoconus Severity Signature and Mechanism of Cone Formation.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

There is no molecular evidence available confirming or contradicting inter-eye molecular variability in keratoconus (KTCN). The key question is whether the use of a model of more and less affected eyes of the same pair facilitates the identification of specific molecular features of KTCN severity.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study involved 21 KTCN patients (n = 132 experimental samples derived from 42 corneal epithelium samples separated into central, middle, and peripheral topographic regions) analyzed in the paired model. Transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) and proteomic (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS/MS) profiling was performed. An additional non-paired model, including KTCN patients (n = 42) and controls (n = 14), strengthened the assessment. Then, key findings were v

SUBMITTER: Jaskiewicz-Rajewicz K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12577770 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature