Investigation of the association between corneal limbal dysfunction and mesechymal epithelial transition in a chronic graft-versus-host disease mouse model.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18902
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Fukui Masaki 東京歯科大学, 歯学部, 非常勤講師 (30464978)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 角膜輪部機能不全 / 間葉上皮転換 / 慢性移植片対宿主病 / アルカリ化学外傷 / BMP7

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to elucidate the pathophysiology of limbal stem cell deficiency by evaluating the expression of the mesenchymal-epithelial transition-related protein Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 (BMP7) using mouse models of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and alkali chemical injury. In the cGVHD model, a significant decrease in BMP7 expression and delayed corneal epithelialization in alkali-injured eyes were observed. Similarly, the alkali injury model also exhibited delayed epithelialization and decreased BMP7 expression. These results suggest that BMP7 plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of limbal stem cell deficiency and corneal epithelialization.

Free Research Field

眼科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、角膜輪部機能不全の病態解明と治療法開発に一定の示唆を与えるものである
。学術的には、間葉上皮転換関連タンパク質BMP7が角膜輪部機能不全および角膜上皮化において変動することを明らかにし、新たな治療ターゲットとしての可能性を示した。社会的には、角膜輪部機能不全による失明リスクの軽減に寄与し、治療法の確立が進めば、角膜輪部機能不全患者の失明の防止や生活の質の向上に貢献することが期待さる。具体的には、慢性移植片対宿主病や化学外傷などの角膜輪部機能不全疾患に対する一治療法の確立を目指すことができる。