Research Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill

Abstract

Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea that is characterized by corneal thinning and outward bulging in the shape of a cone. This leads to visual impairment if left untreated. A range ofsoft to hard contact lenses are commercially available for visual corrections, but they become inadequate or uncomfortable after prolonged wear or in case of disease progression. The second-line treatment consist of corneal crosslinking or transplantation, but these often still require corrective lenses afterwards. We have developed a new treatment modality for keratoconus patients that can permanently correct their vision and is non-invasive and reversible. In a previous IOF POC CREATE project, we confirmed our hypothesis on an in vitro level, while this IOF POC DEVELOP project serves to deliver an in vivo safety and functional proof-of-concept in a mouse and rabbit animal model respectively. Furthermore, a thorough business plan will be further drafted with the emphasis on a regulatory roadmap and a quantitative market analysis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bogerd Bert
• Co-promoter: Ni Dhubhghaill Sorcha

Research team(s)

• Translational Neurosciences (TNW)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The corneal endothelium covers the inner surface of the cornea, the transparent window of the eye. When this cell layer gets damaged, this leads to painful blindness, necessitating transplantation. Currently, transplantation is limited by a severe donor shortage. That is why researchers aim to fabricate a lab grown tissue to treat blind patients and shorten waiting lists. However, my PhD project aims to develop an innovative membrane with the aim to eventually exploit in vivo regeneration without transplantation of cells. More specifically, this project includes the in vitro development of a membrane that is covered with miniscule patterns, which have 2 functions. On the one hand, the shape of the pattern itself will act as one-way signals that guide corneal endothelial cells to the middle of the cornea to restore its original barrier function. On the other hand, the patterns contain drugs that are specifically released when cells overgrow the patterns, thereby accelerating the process even further. I have 2 different strategies for its content, namely filling these patterns with either growth factors or exosomes secreted by stem cells. Eventually, I will establish a proof-of-principle in rabbits to prove the efficiency. Advantages are that this is a potential cost-effective off-the-shelf product that is safer for the patient as it does not involve any cells compared to cell therapy or transplantation and that the applicability stretches beyond the field of ophthalmology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Koppen Carina
• Co-promoter: Ni Dhubhghaill Sorcha
• Fellow: Vercammen Hendrik

Research team(s)

• Translational Neurosciences (TNW)

Project type(s)

• Research Project