Itpr1 regulates the formation of anterior eye segment tissues derived from neural crest cells.

Mutations in ITPR1 cause ataxia and aniridia in individuals with Gillespie syndrome (GLSP). However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying aniridia remain unclear. We identified a de novo GLSP mutation hotspot in the 3'-region of ITPR1 in five individuals with GLSP. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing and immunoblotting revealed an eye-specific transcript of Itpr1, encoding a 218amino acid isoform. This isoform is localized not only in the endoplasmic reticulum, but also in the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes. Ocular-specific transcription was repressed by SOX9 and induced by MAF in the anterior eye segment (AES) tissues. Mice lacking seven base pairs of the last Itpr1 exon exhibited ataxia and aniridia, in which the iris lymphatic vessels, sphincter and dilator muscles, corneal endothelium and stroma were disrupted, but the neural crest cells persisted after completion of AES formation. Our analyses revealed that the 218-amino acid isoform regulated the directionality of actin fibers and the intensity of focal adhesion. The isoform might control the nuclear entry of transcriptional regulators, such as YAP. It is also possible that ITPR1 regulates both AES differentiation and muscle contraction in the iris.

Production and Limbal Lineage Commitment of Aniridia Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Congenital aniridia is caused by heterozygous mutations on the PAX6 gene leading to reduced amount of PAX6 protein (haploinsufficiency), abnormal eye development, and aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). This progressive corneal opacification resembles late-onset limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency, leading to disrupted corneal epithelial renewal. The factors leading to AAK are not known and defects in native LSC differentiation and/or features leading to ocular surface dysfunction like inflammation and loss of innervation could contribute to development of AAK. Here, we produced induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from 3 AAK patients and examined whether PAX6 haploinsufficiency affects LSC lineage commitment. During LSC differentiation, characterization of the AAK lines showed lowered PAX6 expression as compared to wild type (WT) controls and expression peak of PAX6 during early phase of differentiation was detected only in the WT hiPSC lines. Whether it reflects developmental regulation remains to be studied further. Nevertheless, the AAK-hiPSCs successfully differentiated toward LSC lineage, in line with the presence of LSCs in young patients before cell loss later in life. In addition, patient-specific LSCs showed similar wound healing capacity as WT cells. However, extensive batch-related variation in the LSC marker expression and wound healing efficacy was detected without clear correlation to AAK. As development and maintenance of corneal epithelium involves an interplay between LSCs and their environment, the AAK-hiPSCs generated here can be further used to study the crosstalk between LSCs and limbal niche including, eg, corneal immune cells, stroma cells, and neurons.

Increased susceptibility of human limbal aniridia fibroblasts to oxidative stress.

Aniridia-associated keratopathy originates from a haploinsufficiency of the transcription factor PAX6 (PAX6+/-). In the corneal epithelium of PAX6+/- mice, a significant increase in oxidized proteins was observed, accompanied by impaired compensation for elevated oxidative stress (OS). The extent to which limbal fibroblast cells (LFCs) are affected by an increased susceptibility to OS in cases of congenital aniridia (AN) has not been determined, yet. Our aim was to examine the impact of OS on antioxidant enzyme expression in normal and AN-LFCs. Following isolation and culture of primary LFCs (n = 8) and AN-LFCs (n = 8), cells were treated with cobalt chloride for 48 h to chemically induce hypoxic conditions and OS. Subsequently, HIF-1α/-2α, PHD1/2, Nrf2, CAT, SOD1, PRDX6, and GPX1 gene expression was examined by qPCR. SOD1, PRDX6, and GPX1 protein levels were assessed from the cell lysate by Western blot. The induction of hypoxia led to reduced HIF-1α gene expression in both fibroblast groups (p≤0.008), while the decrease in PHD1 was limited to AN-LFCs (p = 0.0007). On the other hand, under hypoxic conditions, PHD2 showed higher mRNA expression in AN-LFCs compared to normal LFCs (p = 0.013). As a result of OS, the mRNA levels of Nrf2 (p<0.0001) and the antioxidant enzymes CAT (p = 0.005), SOD1 (p = 0.005), GPX1 (p = 0.002) decreased in AN-LFCs. This was accompanied by an increased protein expression of SOD1 (p = 0.019) and PRDX6 (p=0.0009). In the normal LFC group, the induced extent of OS had no impact on the gene (p≥0.151) and protein expression (p ≥ 0.629) of antioxidant enzymes, except for the GPX1 mRNA level (p = 0.027). AN-LFCs exhibit higher susceptibility to OS than normal LFCs. Therefore, in AN-LFCs, there are sustained alterations in gene and protein expression of antioxidative enzymes even after 48 h of CoCl2 treatment.

Long-read genome sequencing identifies cryptic structural variants in congenital aniridia cases.

BACKGROUND: Haploinsufficiency of the transcription factor PAX6 is the main cause of congenital aniridia, a genetic disorder characterized by iris and foveal hypoplasia. 11p13 microdeletions altering PAX6 or its downstream regulatory region (DRR) are present in about 25% of patients; however, only a few complex rearrangements have been described to date. Here, we performed nanopore-based whole-genome sequencing to assess the presence of cryptic structural variants (SVs) on the only two unsolved "PAX6-negative" cases from a cohort of 110 patients with congenital aniridia after unsuccessfully short-read sequencing approaches. RESULTS: Long-read sequencing (LRS) unveiled balanced chromosomal rearrangements affecting the PAX6 locus at 11p13 in these two patients and allowed nucleotide-level breakpoint analysis. First, we identified a cryptic 4.9 Mb de novo inversion disrupting intron 7 of PAX6, further verified by targeted polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing and FISH-based cytogenetic analysis. Furthermore, LRS was decisive in correctly mapping a t(6;11) balanced translocation cytogenetically detected in a second proband with congenital aniridia and considered non-causal 15 years ago. LRS resolved that the breakpoint on chromosome 11 was indeed located at 11p13, disrupting the DNase I hypersensitive site 2 enhancer within the DRR of PAX6, 161 Kb from the causal gene. Patient-derived RNA expression analysis demonstrated PAX6 haploinsufficiency, thus supporting that the 11p13 breakpoint led to a positional effect by cleaving crucial enhancers for PAX6 transactivation. LRS analysis was also critical for mapping the exact breakpoint on chromosome 6 to the highly repetitive centromeric region at 6p11.1. CONCLUSIONS: In both cases, the LRS-based identified SVs have been deemed the hidden pathogenic cause of congenital aniridia. Our study underscores the limitations of traditional short-read sequencing in uncovering pathogenic SVs affecting low-complexity regions of the genome and the value of LRS in providing insight into hidden sources of variation in rare genetic diseases.

Phenotypic Spectrum and Natural History of Gillespie Syndrome. An Updated Literature Review with 2 New Cases.

BACKGROUND: Gillespie syndrome is a rare disorder caused by pathogenic variants in ITPR1 gene and characterized by the typical association of cerebellar ataxia, bilateral aniridia and intellectual disability. Since its first description in 1965, less than 100 patients have been reported and only 30 with a molecular confirmation. METHODS: We present two additional cases, both carrying a loss-of-function variant in the Gly2539 amino acid residue. We describe the clinical evolution of the patients, one of whom is now 17 years old, and discuss the updated phenotypic spectrum of the disorder. RESULTS: The study gives an overview on the condition, allowing to confirm important data, such as an overall positive evolution of development (with some patient not presenting intellectual disability), a clinical stability of the neurological signs (regardless of a possible progression of cerebellar atrophy) and ocular aspects, and a low prevalence of general health comorbidities. DISCUSSION: Data about development and the observation of middle-aged patients lend support to the view that Gillespie is to be considered a non-progressive cerebellar ataxia, making this concept a key point for both clinicians and therapists, and for the families.

Modified technique for sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens in a patient with post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A modified surgical technique of sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens (SSF-IOL) was applied in a patient with post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old man was referred to our clinic with decreased vision (finger count) in his right eye. This patient had previously undergone primary repair of the ruptured globe and pars plana vitrectomy to manage ocular trauma in the same eye. On presentation, the best corrected visual acuity in his right eye was 20/40. The slit lamp examination of his right eye revealed loss of total iris and lens. Corneal endothelial cell density was 1462 cells/mm2. Fundoscopic examination of the right eye revealed a retinal attachment. For IOL implantation, a rigid poly methyl methacrylate IOL was used with a 2-point scleral fixation performed using a polypropylene suture. One year postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/32, and the manifest refraction was - 0.5/-1.5 × 130 (20/20). Pentacam revealed that the astigmatism of the anterior corneal surface and the total cornea was 1.1 D (axis: 59.8°) and 1.0 D (axis: 35.6°), respectively. The horizontal (3°-183°) cross-section image displayed an IOL with a 1° tilt and 0.425 mm decentration. The patient reported no dysphotopsia or photophobia and was satisfied with the visual results. OPD-scan III revealed that higher-order aberrations in the right eye were slightly higher than those in the left eye. No suture-related or other serious complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The modified SSF-IOL technique can offer improved visual quality for patients with aniridia and aphakia by ensuring proper IOL positioning and reducing astigmatism.

Outcome of illuminated microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy following failed angle surgery in PAX6 aniridic glaucoma: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aniridia is a rare eye disorder with a high incidence of glaucoma, and surgical intervention is often needed to control the intraocular pressure (IOP). Here, we reported a case of illuminated microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy (MAT) performed on an aniridic glaucoma patient following a previous failed angle surgery. The surgical procedures for aniridic glaucoma were also reviewed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old man, diagnosed with aniridic glaucoma, came to our hospital consulting for the poor control of left eye's IOP despite receiving goniotomy surgery 3 years ago. The IOP was 26 mmHg with maximum topical antiglaucoma eyedrops. The central cornea was opaque and the majority of iris was absent. The gonioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) demonstrated that 360° anterior chamber angle was closed. The whole exome sequencing of peripheral blood confirmed a 13.39 Mb copy number loss at chromosome 11p15.1p13, containing PAX6 and WT1 gene. The 360° MAT surgery was performed on his left eye. At 1-year follow-up, the IOP was 19mmHg with 2 kinds of topical antiglaucoma medications, and the postoperative UBM demonstrated the successful incision of the anterior chamber angle. CONCLUSIONS: The case presented here exhibited a case of aniridic glaucoma treated by MAT surgery. The MAT surgery may be an effective option for IOP control in aniridic glaucoma patients following a previous failed angle surgery.

Bilateral Peters' anomaly, aniridia and Wilms tumour (WAGR syndrome) in monozygotic twins.

AIM: This study reports the bilateral association of Peters' anomaly and congenital aniridia in monozygotic twins subsequently diagnosed with Wilms tumour (WAGR syndrome). METHODS: Two monozygotic female twins were referred at age 2 months with bilateral corneal opacity. A diagnosis of Peters' anomaly associated to aniridia was made in both eyes of both twins. Physical examination and ultrasonography were carried out at 12 months of age to explore the possibility of WAGR-related anomalies, specifically Wilms tumour. DNA were isolated and subjected to whole exome sequencing. RESULTS: Peters' anomaly associated to aniridia in both eyes as well as bilateral Wilms tumour in both children were diagnosed. Exome analyses showed a large heterozygous deletion encompassing 6 648 473 bp in chromosome 11p13, using Integrative Genomics Viewer and AnnotSV software. CONCLUSION: WAGR syndrome is a rare contiguous gene deletion syndrome with a greater risk of developing Wilms tumour associated with Peters' anomaly and congenital aniridia. However, co-occurrence of both anomalies was rarely reported in twins, and never in both eyes of monozygotic twins. Here, we report the bilateral association of Peters' anomaly and congenital aniridia in monozygotic twins with WAGR syndrome.

Custom-Made Artificial Iris and Toric-Intraocular Lens Intrascleral Flange Fixation: A Case Report.

Different techniques for artificial iris implantation with or without an intraocular lens, depending on lens status, are described in the literature. We describe a surgical technique for a custom-made artificial iris and toric-intraocular lens intrascleral flange fixation. We modified the "Backpack" artificial iris implantation surgical technique to facilitate an accurate alignment of the toric-intraocular lens in a patient with aphakia, aniridia, and high asymmetric astigmatism secondary to blunt trauma. Two months after the surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/30, corrected to 20/25 with a refraction of -2.00 in the diopter sphere with no residual astigmatism. The artificial iris implant and toric-intraocular lens were well-centered. The patient was satisfied with the visual and cosmetic outcomes. This procedure, however, is not complication-free as our patient developed uveitis and increased intraocular pressure during the postoperative period, which was treated successfully.

Surgical correction of corneal opacity and aniridia with penetrating keratoplasty and a new iris prosthesis implant.

PURPOSE: This study is to describe the clinical outcome of penetrating keratoplasty combined with implantation of a novel intraocular lens with an artificial iris, aided by continuous vitreous chamber infusion, in patients with severe aniridia and corneal alterations. METHODS: This was a prospective single-center case series study involving five patients with corneal alterations and aniridia. All subjects underwent simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty and implantation of a new intraocular lens with an artificial iris with the assistance of infusion into the vitreous chamber to regulate intraocular pressure during the surgical procedure. Visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density, and intraocular pressure assessments were performed in the postoperative period. The final cosmetic outcome of the iris prosthesis placement was also evaluated. RESULTS: In all cases, increased visual acuity and a good aesthetic result were observed in all affected eyes except one in which, despite the excellent aesthetic outcome, the eye was very hypotonic as it had high myopia and had undergone several previous surgeries. CONCLUSION: The single surgical procedure combining implantation of an intraocular lens-iris prosthesis with penetrating keratoplasty is an effective technique for the simultaneous treatment of aphakia and aniridia. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are needed to definitively establish the benefits of this technique.

Anatomical and functional outcomes of Boston type I keratoprosthesis as primary penetrating corneal procedure in high-risk and non-high-risk cases.

PURPOSE: To analyze the anatomical and functional results of Boston type I keratoprosthesis (B1-KPro) as a primary corneal procedure in high-risk (HR) cases and non-high-risk (NHR) cases. METHODS: In this retrospective interventional case series, all patients who underwent B1-KPro at a single center between January 2006 and March 2021 were reviewed and identified. Cases were classified according to the primary diagnosis. Anatomical failure was considered in the case of prosthesis extrusion or phthisis bulbi. Functional failure was a postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) ≥ 1.3 LogMAR (≤ 0.05 decimal) at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes were included for analysis. Thirteen eyes were classified as HR and 10 as NHR. The mean age was 46.5 ± 26.5 years (5-84 years) in the HR group and 49.5 ± 26.9 years (2-78 years) in the NHR group. The mean follow-up was 42.0 ± 35.9 months (1.5-118 months) in HR and 44.8 ± 38.8 months (1-107 months) in NHR. Three eyes in the HR and none in the NHR group showed anatomical failure. Functional failure was reported in 5/13 eyes in the HR and 8/10 in the NHR group. Functional cumulative survival probability was 92% and 82% for the HR group at 1 and 2 years, respectively. In the NHR group, it was 27% at both times. No significant differences were found between groups, except for functional survival in the HR group due to better visual potential of the eyes. CONCLUSIONS: B1-KPro as a primary corneal procedure is a valid option for visual rehabilitation in high-risk cases.

Traumatic dislocation of the iris into the vitreous cavity with intact lens: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic aniridia occurs when the iris is extruded from the eye and is often accompanied by lens injuries. However, traumatic aniridia due to dislocation of the iris into the vitreous cavity without lens damage has never been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old man presented with visual loss and pain for 6 h after a thin wire injured his right eyeball. Ophthalmologic examinations manifested a 2 mm full-thickness corneal laceration and total hyphema. An intact clear lens, healthy attached retina, and almost complete iris tissue in the vitreous cavity were found after resolution of hyphema the next day. Further examination revealed that the defect in the zonule below the corneal wound was the path for the iris to enter the vitreous cavity. The patient opted for nonsurgical treatment until pigment granules and opacity were observed in the vitreous cavity after 50 days. Vitrectomy was performed to remove the dislocated iris. CONCLUSIONS: The presentation of this unique case indicates that the torn iris was displaced to the vitreous cavity with an intact lens and missing local zonula instead of out the corneal laceration after a penetrating injury. The type of injury, mechanism, and force on the spot may contribute to the occurrence of this rare condition. Instead of artificial irises, tinted glasses were more appropriate treatment option for this patient. Peripheral retinal examination was essential in the management of this case. In such cases, the iris in the vitreous cavity should be resected to prevent complications.

A novel microdeletion of 517 kb downstream of the PAX6 gene in a Chinese family with congenital aniridia.

BACKGROUND: To identify the disease-causing gene in a Chinese family affected with congenital aniridia. METHODS: Patients underwent systematic ophthalmic examinations such as anterior segment photography, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. The proband was screened for pathogenic variants by whole exome sequencing (WES) and copy number variant (CNV) analysis. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to confirm the CNV results. Breakpoints were identified by long-range PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: All seven members of this Chinese family, including four patients and three normal individuals, were recruited for this study. All patients showed bilateral congenital aniridia with nystagmus, except the son of the proband, who presented with bilateral partial coloboma of the iris. A novel heterozygous deletion (chr11:31,139,019-31,655,997) containing the 3' regulatory enhancers of the PAX6 gene was detected in this family. We also reviewed the reported microdeletions downstream of PAX6 in patients with aniridia. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel microdeletion, 517 kb in size located about 133 kb downstream of the PAX6 gene, responsible for congenital aniridia in this Chinese family, which expands the spectrum of aniridia-associated mutations in PAX6.

Comparison between Cultivated Oral Mucosa and Ocular Surface Epithelia for COMET Patients Follow-Up.

Total bilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency is a pathologic condition of the ocular surface due to the loss of corneal stem cells. Cultivated oral mucosa epithelial transplantation (COMET) is the only autologous successful treatment for this pathology in clinical application, although abnormal peripheric corneal vascularization often occurs. Properly characterizing the regenerated ocular surface is needed for a reliable follow-up. So far, the univocal identification of transplanted oral mucosa has been challenging. Previously proposed markers were shown to be co-expressed by different ocular surface epithelia in a homeostatic or perturbated environment. In this study, we compared the transcriptome profile of human oral mucosa, limbal and conjunctival cultured holoclones, identifying Paired Like Homeodomain 2 (PITX2) as a new marker that univocally distinguishes the transplanted oral tissue from the other epithelia. We validated PITX2 at RNA and protein levels to investigate 10-year follow-up corneal samples derived from a COMET-treated aniridic patient. Moreover, we found novel angiogenesis-related factors that were differentially expressed in the three epithelia and instrumental in explaining the neovascularization in COMET-treated patients. These results will support the follow-up analysis of patients transplanted with oral mucosa and provide new tools to understand the regeneration mechanism of transplanted corneas.

Co-Occurrence of Congenital Aniridia Due to Nonsense PAX6 Variant p.(Cys94*) and Chromosome 21 Trisomy in the Same Patient.

This study aims to present a clinical case involving the unique co-occurrence of congenital aniridia and Down syndrome in a young girl and to analyze the combined impact of these conditions on the patient's phenotype. The investigation involved comprehensive pediatric and ophthalmological examinations alongside karyotyping and Sanger sequencing of the PAX6 gene. The patient exhibited distinctive features associated with both congenital aniridia and Down syndrome, suggesting a potential exacerbation of their effects. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis revealed the presence of trisomy 21 and a known pathogenic nonsense variant in exon 6 of the PAX6 gene (c.282C>A, p.(Cys94*)) corresponding to the paired domain of the protein. The observation of these two hereditary anomalies offers valuable insights into the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms underlying each condition. Additionally, it provides a basis for a more nuanced prognosis of the complex disease course in this patient. This case underscores the importance of considering interactions between different genetic disorders in clinical assessments and treatment planning.

Minigene Splicing Assays and Long-Read Sequencing to Unravel Pathogenic Deep-Intronic Variants in PAX6 in Congenital Aniridia.

PAX6 haploinsufficiency causes aniridia, a congenital eye disorder that involves the iris, and foveal hypoplasia. Comprehensive screening of the PAX6 locus, including the non-coding regions, by next-generation sequencing revealed four deep-intronic variants with potential effects on pre-RNA splicing. Nevertheless, without a functional analysis, their pathogenicity could not be established. We aimed to decipher their impact on the canonical PAX6 splicing using in vitro minigene splicing assays and nanopore-based long-read sequencing. Two multi-exonic PAX6 constructs were generated, and minigene assays were carried out. An aberrant splicing pattern was observed for two variants in intron 6, c.357+136G>A and c.357+334G>A. In both cases, several exonization events, such as pseudoexon inclusions and partial intronic retention, were observed due to the creation or activation of new/cryptic non-canonical splicing sites, including a shared intronic donor site. In contrast, two variants identified in intron 11, c.1032+170A>T and c.1033-275A>C, seemed not to affect splicing processes. We confirmed the high complexity of alternative splicing of PAX6 exon 6, which also involves unreported cryptic intronic sites. Our study highlights the importance of integrating functional studies into diagnostic algorithms to decipher the potential implication of non-coding variants, usually classified as variants of unknown significance, thus allowing variant reclassification to achieve a conclusive genetic diagnosis.

Complex Chromosomal Rearrangement Involving Chromosomes 10 and 11, Accompanied by Two Adjacent 11p14.1p13 and 11p13p12 Deletions, Identified in a Patient with WAGR Syndrome.

Three years ago, our patient, at that time a 16-month-old boy, was discovered to have bilateral kidney lesions with a giant tumor in the right kidney. Chemotherapy and bilateral nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for Wilms tumor with nephroblastomatosis was carried out. The patient also had eye affection, including glaucoma, eye enlargement, megalocornea, severe corneal swelling and opacity, complete aniridia, and nystagmus. The diagnosis of WAGR syndrome was suspected. De novo complex chromosomal rearrangement with balanced translocation t(10,11)(p15;p13) and a pericentric inversion inv(11)(p13q12), accompanied by two adjacent 11p14.1p13 and 11p13p12 deletions, were identified. Deletions are raised through the complex molecular mechanism of two subsequent rearrangements affecting chromosomes 11 and 10. WAGR syndrome diagnosis was clinically and molecularly confirmed, highlighting the necessity of comprehensive genetic testing in patients with congenital aniridia and/or WAGR syndrome.

[Rehabilitation of patients with posttraumatic aniridia and secondary glaucoma]. / Reabilitatsiya patsientov s posttravmaticheskoi aniridiei i vtorichnoi glaukomoi.

Secondary glaucoma is one of the main problems of rehabilitation of patients with traumatic damage of the iris. PURPOSE: This study analyzes the long-term results of rehabilitation of patients with posttraumatic aniridia and glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 310 patients (310 eyes) with posttraumatic aniridia who had artificial iris-lens diaphragm (ILD) MIOL-Raduzhka implanted in 2002-2022. Before ILD implantation, 61 patients (22.8%) had secondary glaucoma. Among them 35 patients (11.3%) underwent various modifications of glaucoma surgery. In 26 patients (8.6%), intraocular pressure (IOP) was compensated medically before ILD implantation. RESULTS: Until the third month after ILD implantation, there was a trend for IOP increase in some patients. Decompensation was noted in 8 (22.9%) out of 35 patients who had underwent glaucoma surgery. IOP decompensation was observed in 21 (80.8%) of 26 cases in patients with glaucoma compensated by drugs before ILD implantation. After ILD implantation, glaucoma appeared for the first time in 21 patients (6.8%) out of 310. In order to compensate IOP after ILD implantation, Ahmed valve implantation was performed most often - in 35 cases (70%) out of 50, deep sclerectomy - in 5 cases (10%), non-penetrating deep sclerectomy - in 4 cases (8%), micropulse transscleral laser cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) - in 5 cases (10%), endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) - in 1 case (2%). CONCLUSION: ILD implantation in patients with posttraumatic aniridia and secondary glaucoma should be performed with IOP compensated without hypotensive therapy and not earlier than 6-12 months after glaucoma surgery. The most optimal glaucoma surgery types in this group of patients are Ahmed valve implantation and MP-TSCPC.

Aniridia-related keratopathy relevant cell signaling pathways in human fetal corneas.

We aimed to study aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK) relevant cell signaling pathways [Notch1, Wnt/ß-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and mTOR] in normal human fetal corneas compared with normal human adult corneas and ARK corneas. We found that fetal corneas at 20 weeks of gestation (wg) and normal adult corneas showed similar staining patterns for Notch1; however 10-11 wg fetal corneas showed increased presence of Notch1. Numb and Dlk1 had an enhanced presence in the fetal corneas compared with the adult corneas. Fetal corneas showed stronger immunolabeling with antibodies against ß-catenin, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Gli1, Hes1, p-rpS6, and mTOR when compared with the adult corneas. Gene expression of Notch1, Wnt5A, Wnt7A, ß-catenin, Hes1, mTOR, and rps6 was higher in the 9-12 wg fetal corneas compared with adult corneas. The cell signaling pathway differences found between human fetal and adult corneas were similar to those previously found in ARK corneas with the exception of Notch1. Analogous profiles of cell signaling pathway activation between human fetal corneas and ARK corneas suggests that there is a less differentiated host milieu in ARK.

Results of the United States Food and Drug Administration Clinical Trial of the CustomFlex Artificial Iris.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of a custom-manufactured artificial iris device (CustomFlex Artificial Iris; HumanOptics AG) for the treatment of congenital and acquired iris defects. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, unmasked, nonrandomized, interventional clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with photophobia, sensitivity secondary to partial or complete congenital or acquired iris defects, or both. METHODS: Eyes were implanted from November 26, 2013, to December 1, 2017, with a custom, foldable artificial iris by 1 of 4 different surgical techniques. Patients were evaluated 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. At each examination, slit-lamp findings, intraocular pressure, implant position, subjective visual symptoms, and complications were recorded. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD) were measured at 3, 6, or 12 months as additional safety evaluations. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was used to assess health-related quality of life affected by vision. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was used to assess cosmetic results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Photosensitivity, glare, visual symptoms, NEI VFQ-25 score, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale rating, prosthesis-related adverse events, intraocular lens (IOL)-related adverse events, and surgery-related adverse events 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: At the 12-month postoperative examination, a 59.7% reduction in marked to severe daytime light sensitivity (P < 0.0001), a 41.5% reduction in marked to severe nighttime light sensitivity (P < 0.0001), a 53.1% reduction in marked to severe daytime glare (P < 0.0001), and a 48.5% reduction in severe nighttime glare (P < 0.0001) were found. A 15.4-point improvement (P < 0.0001) in the NEI VFQ-25 total score was found, and 93.8% of patients reported an improvement in cosmesis as measured by the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale 12 months after surgery. No loss of CDVA of > 2 lines related to the device was found. Median ECD loss was 5.3% at 6 months after surgery and 7.2% at 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The artificial iris surpassed all key safety end points for adverse events related to the device, IOL, or implant surgery and met all key efficacy end points, including decreased light and glare sensitivity, improved health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with cosmesis. The device is safe and effective for the treatment of symptoms and an unacceptable cosmetic appearance created by congenital or acquired iris defects.