Chief Supervisor

Prof. KEE Chea-su

Project Title

Determining The Role of Spatial Corneal Proteomes in Astigmatic Cornea

Synopsis

Astigmatism is a common refractive error in which the retinal image associated with a point source object is formed along two distinct, typically orthogonal, focal planes. Astigmatism is a common refractive error among Hong Kong Chinese. However, the biological mechanisms remain poorly known. Cornea, as a collagen-rich tissue, forms a transparent anterior layer of the eyeball and provides majority of eye’s refractive power. According to previous studies, we assume that corneal astigmatism is modulated by local areas of corneal remodeling via the different distribution of growth factors. Based on our established chick model for experimentally induced astigmatism, here we aim to apply proteomics analysis to characterize spatial proteins composition in the astigmatic cornea. Our results could provide new knowledge in how proteins and protein-protein interaction are involved in modulating corneal shape and may manipulate the posterior eyeball shape. In addition, the current study could provide clues for potential pharmacological intervention.