Molecular pathology of infectious keratitis utilizing nucleic acid sequencing and quantification

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09720
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: Inoue Yoshitsugu 鳥取大学, 医学部, プロジェクト研究員 (10213183)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 宮崎 大 鳥取大学, 医学部, 教授 (30346358) ; 春木 智子 鳥取大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (90838153)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 感染性角膜炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to better diagnose and manage infectious keratitis, we have attempted to verify the pathogenesis of the disease by molecular biological methods from the perspective of pathogen and host reaction. For each pathogen, we explored and optimized identification methods using PCR-based sequencing. In terms of pathogenesis, we clarified the relationship between molecular pathology, clinical features, and prognosis, especially for herpes simplex. In addition, after optimizing the comprehensive RNA analysis of clinical specimens, we searched for molecular pathways that are characteristically activated in various pathogens and that can be used to select the initiation of steroid therapy.

Free Research Field

眼科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

角膜混濁は失明原因の上位を占めており、感染性角膜炎はその重要な原因となる。適切な診断及び治療の選択が視力予後の改善に必須である。一方、いかに診断し、治療するのかに関して十分な指針は策定されていない。そこで、原因病原体の同定手法の確立と評価、さらには分子病態の探索を試みた。これにより、より妥当性のある診断及びマネージメント手法の設計に資する分子病態を明らかにした。