Omics in Keratoconus: From Molecular to Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disorder causing visual impairment.
• Corneal changes in KC involve extracellular matrix degradation and oxidative stress.
• Omics technologies offer advanced insights into KC's complex biological mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review omics research findings applied to keratoconus.
• To highlight genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic aspects of KC.
• To explore the potential of omics-derived biomarkers for KC diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Genomics
• Transcriptomics
• Proteomics
• Epigenomics
• Metabolomics
• Integrative omics analysis

Main Results:

• Omics studies have elucidated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying KC.
• These studies reveal imbalances in corneal homeostasis and oxidative state.
• Identification of potential biomarkers for keratoconus is a key outcome.

Conclusions:

• Omics technologies are crucial for understanding keratoconus pathophysiology.
• Biomarker discovery through omics holds promise for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
• Personalized medicine approaches in keratoconus management can be advanced by these findings.