Collagen synthesis disruption and downregulation of core elements of TGF-β, Hippo, and Wnt pathways in keratoconus corneas

Eur J Hum Genet. 2017 May;25(5):582-590. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2017.4. Epub 2017 Feb 1.

Abstract

To understand better the factors contributing to keratoconus (KTCN), we performed comprehensive transcriptome profiling of human KTCN corneas for the first time using an RNA-Seq approach. Twenty-five KTCN and 25 non-KTCN corneas were enrolled in this study. After RNA extraction, total RNA libraries were prepared and sequenced. The discovery RNA-Seq analysis (in eight KTCN and eight non-KTCN corneas) was conducted first, after which the replication RNA-Seq experiment was performed on a second set of samples (17 KTCN and 17 non-KTCN corneas). Over 82% of the genes and almost 75% of the transcripts detected as differentially expressed in KTCN and non-KTCN corneas were confirmed in the replication study using another set of samples. We used these differentially expressed genes to generate a network of KTCN-deregulated genes. We found an extensive disruption of collagen synthesis and maturation pathways, as well as downregulation of the core elements of the TGF-β, Hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways influencing corneal organization. This first comprehensive transcriptome profiling of human KTCN corneas points further to a complex etiology of KTCN.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Collagen / genetics
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Cornea / metabolism*
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Down-Regulation
  • Hippo Signaling Pathway
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / genetics*
  • Keratoconus / metabolism
  • Keratoconus / pathology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Transcriptome*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Collagen
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases