Deciphering the mechanoresponsive role of β-catenin in keratoconus epithelium.

ABSTRACT: Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal dystrophy characterized by progressive ectasia that leads to severe visual impairment and remains one of the leading indications for corneal transplantation. The etiology is believed to be multifactorial and alterations have been documented in the biomechanical, biochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the cornea. While the exact site of disease origin is still debated, changes in the corneal epithelium are believed to occur even before the disease is clinically manifested. In this study we investigate the possible role of β-catenin as mechanotransducer in KC corneal epithelium. The sheets of corneal epithelium removed from keratoconic eyes when they underwent collagen crosslinking as a therapeutic procedure were used for this study. The healthy corn

SUBMITTER: Amit C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7721701 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature