VRP09 Reduction of Corneal Scanning Following Blast and Burn Injuries to Cornea Using siRNAs Targeting TGFb and CTGF
Abstract
Blast and burn injuries to the eye caused by explosions during combat or terrorist attacks are devastating injuries, which typically impair vision by excessive corneal scarring. Our overall goal is to develop a topical therapy that will reduce corneal scarring by selectively reducing expression of TGFb, TGFb receptor-II (TGFBRII), and CTGF genes which cause scarring using the newly discovered effects of small interfering RNAs (siRNA). In the first year of this project, we designed and tested at least three siRNAs targeting each of the three target gene mRNAs using cultures of rabbit corneal fibroblasts (RCF). The optimal siRNA for each gene was then formulated into double and triple combinations, and one triple combination of three siRNAs knocked down expression of collagen gene by 97% in RCF cultures without compromising the viability of the RCF. This triple combination of siRNAs will be the lead formulation that we will test in vivo using the rabbit corneal excimer laser ablation model that simulates blast injuries during the next year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553168
Entities
People
- Gregory Schultz
Organizations
- University of Florida