Biomedical subjects

A Bochert

Publications and source records attributed to A Bochert.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

[The extracellular matrix structure in keratoconus].

PURPOSE: Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by progressive thinning of the central cornea. There are indications for an autosomal dominant heredity. Our purpose was to find correlations between gene expression and structural changes in extracellular matrix components. METHODS: Stromal RNA (keratoconus and comparison) was isolated from corneas, transformed to cRNA and analysed using biochips (Affymetrix). Structural investigations were performed by laser scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In keratoconus corneas there was an upregulation of different extracellular matrix components (collagen XV, metalloproteases) and a down-regulation of collagen IV (alpha1, alpha3) and versican. The morphological changes correlated to genetic obtained data. The orthogonal arrangement of the collagen fibrills (anteriorly and central) was altered in the collagen matrix of keratoconus corneas. CONCLUSIONS: The changes point on deregulation of the matrix arrangement. The interest in the cause of the disease is focused on the interfibrillar arrangement, the interaction between collagen and proteoglucanes.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Gene expression in keratoconus. Initial results using DNA microarrays].

INTRODUCTION: Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory ocular disease characterised by conical deformation, progressive thinning and scarring of the central cornea. Despite intensive investigations, the exact cause of the disease still remains unclear. Clinical studies provide strong indications of a major genetic role in the aetiology. We set out to examine the involvement in the manifestation of keratoconus of any of the 5,600 gene specificities available on the Affymetrix GeneChip HuGeneFL. METHODS: After examination of two corneas they were stored in RNAlater, RNA was extracted and hybridised on the chips. Using a combination of dyes it was possible to read the chips with laser detection and to visualise the gene expression pattern. RESULTS: We found an upregulation of collagens, versican, metalloproteinases and cell adhesion proteins. A downregulation was observed for TIGR protein, cytokeratins, eyes absent homologue (Eab1) and the proteins for radical treatment selenoprotein P and monooxygenase. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that keratoconus is a process in which repair and scar-formation mechanisms operate at the same time. As candidate genes for this mechanism, collagen IV and related proteoglycans were favoured.

Cicatrix↗