Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Exploring the Tryptophan metabolism via Kynurenine pathway and their correlation with clinical outcome in Keratoconus and Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy patients undergoing corneal transplantation |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Dheeraj Mohania, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
Timeline Start Year : | 2023 |
Timeline End Year : | 2026 |
Contact info : | dmohania@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | The cornea, our window to the world, is affected by injury, infection, and other diseases. Various strategies are being developed to treat corneal diseases through corneal transplantation using component corneal surgeries like DALK, DSAEK, and DMEK. However, there is a lack of understanding of TRP metabolism in KC, FECD, and other corneal diseases and their precise biomarkers to identify these diseases. Factors regulating TRP metabolism in KC and FECD are essential for its deeper understanding and clinical significance. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) involved in TRP metabolism in the human corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium may be involved in immune escape mechanisms, which are critical pathways behind failed grafts in cornea transplantation. Studies focusing on mechanisms and regulation of TRP metabolism may provide insights into better understanding of graft rejection in cornea transplantation. IDO and TRP metabolites have been reported to be key regulators for suppressing immune surveillance and inducing immunotolerance in several diseases, including transplantation immunology. This work aims to explore the links between TRP, kynurenine, and key enzymes involved in the kynurenine pathway in KC, FECD, and other corneal diseases patients undergoing cornea transplantation. Results from this work will lead to an improved understanding of TRP metabolism in patients and may provide insight into new approaches to corneal disease progression and management. The proposed questions address scientific questions and current gaps in our understanding, potentially altering the way KC, FECD, and other corneal diseases are approached in clinical management and shaping a future research agenda. |
Total Budget (INR): | 46,89,696 |
Organizations involved