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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia (CED)

Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia (CED) is classified as a precursor of cancerous illnesses and is part of the conjunctival/corneal intraepithelial neoplasia spectrum. Protheragen offers bespoke services designed specifically for the individual requirements of each client. We assist researchers in developing and applying customized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia.

Introduction to Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia

Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia (CED) is a pre-malignant condition due to abnormal differentiation of corneal epithelial cells. This ailment is part of conjunctival/corneal intraepithelial neoplasia. Most older adults will have it. The causes of CED are still unknown and include many factors. One of them is the environment, including very high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Pathological tissue analysis of CED reveals atypical epithelial cells with loss of differentiation and organization within normal limits. CED usually starts at the limbus, where stem and progenitor cells are located, and extends to the central cornea with neovascularization.

Biomicroscopic and confocal microscopic analysis of a case of Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia.

Fig.1 Biomicroscopic and confocal microscopic analysis for corneal epithelial dysplasia. (Concepción Y. B., et al., 2022)

Diagnostic Method for Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia

Immunohistochemistry
The use of immunohistochemical techniques serves as an invaluable resource for describing the molecular attributes of dysplastic lesions. This procedure employs the use of distinct antibodies to identify markers like cytokeratin and vimentin. In CED, immunohistochemical staining often shows loss of keratin 12 and gain of keratin 13 and vimentin, which suggests a loss of corneal differentiation.

Molecular and Genetic Analysis
Methods like next-generation sequencing (NGS) are capable of identifying mutational changes in genes implicated in the regulation of the cell cycle, DNA repair, and cancer development. For instance, certain cases of CED have been shown to harbor mutations in the TP53 gene, encoding the tumor suppressor protein p53.

Therapeutics Development for Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia

Topical Chemotherapeutic Agents

Chemotherapeutic agents that have been used to treat ocular surface neoplasias includ CED are mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil. These agents prevent the proliferation of dysplastic cells and can serve as adjuncts to surgical therapeutics.

Targeted Molecular Therapies

With regards to Embyonic Mesenchymal Tissue (EMT) and abnormal keratin expression keratin of CED, research is being conducted for potential therapies which might attenuate these phenomena. For instance, small molecular inhibitors that could block the signaling pathways of EMT could block the development of CED.

Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Stem cell transplantations has shown good prospects in therapy oriented towards restoring normal epithelial differentiation in CED. Limbal stem cell transplantation has already been attempted for the therapeutics of limbal stem cell deficiency, and equally effective methods may be used in CED.

Our Services

Specialized diagnostic and therapeutic development services for Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia are provided by Protheragen. We have profound capabilities in histopathology as well as immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis, which allows us to accurately diagnose and define CED lesions. We employ sophisticated methods for the identification of disease-specific markers and genetic changes, aiding in the development of targeted therapeutics options.

Diagnostics Development

Karyotype Analysis Service
Omics Analysis Service
Biomarker Development Service
Artificial Intelligence Service

Therapeutic Development

Small Molecule Drug
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Therapeutic Peptide
Therapeutic Protein

Preclinical Research

Pharmacodynamics Study Services
Pharmacokinetics Study Services
Drug Safety Evaluation Services

Disease Models

Alkali Burn Rabbit Models
Suture Placement Rabbit Models
HSV-1 Corneal Infection Models
Knock-in Mice with Homologous Mutations in Human FECD

Protheragen makes use of highly advanced technologies and methodologies in preclinical research services for Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia. The development of animal models, histopathologic and histochemical evaluation of dysplastic lesions, and molecular analysis form a part of our preclinical research services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Concepción, Yasary Brizuela, et al. "Corneal epithelial dysplasia." Revista Cubana de Oftalmología 35.2 (2022): 1-6.
Morii, Tomoya, et al. "A case of solitary nonvascularized corneal epithelial dysplasia." Case reports in ophthalmological medicine 2016.1 (2016): 5687285.