Targeted Proteomics Profiling for Biomarker Discovery in Glaucoma Using the Olink Proteomics Platform

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Metabolomics
• Proteomics

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction is implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel metabolic protein biomarkers for glaucoma using Olink proteomics.
• To investigate the role of identified biomarkers in glaucoma pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Olink proteomics profiling on aqueous humor from glaucoma and cataract patients.
• Bioinformatic analyses including Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis.
• Validation in clinical samples and an animal model, followed by in vitro and in vivo functional assays.

Main Results:

• Identified 84 differentially expressed metabolic proteins.
• Highlighted involvement in ER-associated degradation, IL-13 regulation, DNA damage response, and metabolism pathways.
• ALDH1A1 emerged as a significant diagnostic marker, elevated in glaucoma patients and inducing RGC apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• ALDH1A1 is a promising biomarker for glaucoma diagnosis.
• Elevated ALDH1A1 contributes to RGC apoptosis, highlighting its role in glaucoma.
• Findings offer insights for clinical decision-making and therapeutic strategies for glaucoma.