Genetic cause of corneal dystrophy discovered

Researchers from University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital have discovered a new genetic cause of corneal dystrophy.

The genetic roots of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) were revealed in the paper when the team identified the location of a new PPCD gene and alterations in the DNA sequence.

They argued that the endothelial cells in the cornea have an ‘identity crisis’ and thus move to a different state, leading to dysfunction of the endothelial barrier and causing corneal dystrophy.

Researchers said they were ‘delighted’ by the results and that they will be the ‘foundation for further studies’.