Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus

Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC’s complex nature, there is currently no ide...

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Main Authors: Rachel Hadvina, Amy Estes, Yutao Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-11-01
Series:Cells
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/12/23/2681
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author Rachel Hadvina
Amy Estes
Yutao Liu
author_facet Rachel Hadvina
Amy Estes
Yutao Liu
author_sort Rachel Hadvina
collection DOAJ
description Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC’s complex nature, there is currently no ideal animal model to represent both the corneal phenotype and underlying pathophysiology. Attempts to establish a KC model have involved mice, rats, and rabbits, with some additional novel animals suggested. Genetic animal models have only been attempted in mice. Similarly, spontaneously occurring animal models for KC have only been discovered in mice. Models generated using chemical or environmental treatments have been attempted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Among several methods used to induce KC in animals, ultraviolet radiation exposure and treatment with collagenase are some of the most prevalent. There is a clear need for an experimental model animal to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the development and progression of keratoconus. An appropriate animal model could also aid in the development of treatments to slow or arrest the disorder.
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spelling doaj.art-09a24b52e9954741956fae6126f83dac2023-12-08T15:13:02ZengMDPI AGCells2073-44092023-11-011223268110.3390/cells12232681Animal Models for the Study of KeratoconusRachel Hadvina0Amy Estes1Yutao Liu2Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USAJames & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USADepartment of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USAKeratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC’s complex nature, there is currently no ideal animal model to represent both the corneal phenotype and underlying pathophysiology. Attempts to establish a KC model have involved mice, rats, and rabbits, with some additional novel animals suggested. Genetic animal models have only been attempted in mice. Similarly, spontaneously occurring animal models for KC have only been discovered in mice. Models generated using chemical or environmental treatments have been attempted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Among several methods used to induce KC in animals, ultraviolet radiation exposure and treatment with collagenase are some of the most prevalent. There is a clear need for an experimental model animal to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the development and progression of keratoconus. An appropriate animal model could also aid in the development of treatments to slow or arrest the disorder.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/12/23/2681keratoconuscorneaanimal modelsmicerabbitkeratocytes
spellingShingle Rachel Hadvina
Amy Estes
Yutao Liu
Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus
Cells
keratoconus
cornea
animal models
mice
rabbit
keratocytes
title Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus
title_full Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus
title_fullStr Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus
title_full_unstemmed Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus
title_short Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus
title_sort animal models for the study of keratoconus
topic keratoconus
cornea
animal models
mice
rabbit
keratocytes
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/12/23/2681
work_keys_str_mv AT rachelhadvina animalmodelsforthestudyofkeratoconus
AT amyestes animalmodelsforthestudyofkeratoconus
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