Future directions in managing aniridia-associated keratopathy
Arianne J.H. van Velthoven, Tor Paaske Utheim, Maria Notara, Dominique Brémond‐Gignac, Francisco C. Figueiredo, Heli Skottman, Daniel Aberdam, Julie T. Daniels, Giulio Ferrari, Christina N Grupcheva, Carina Koppen, Mohit Parekh, Thomas Ritter, Vito Romano, Stefano Ferrari, Claus Cursiefen, Neil Lagali, Vanessa L.S. LaPointe, Mor M. Dickman
Abstract
Congenital aniridia is a panocular disorder that is typically characterized by iris hypoplasia and aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). AAK results in the progressive loss of corneal transparency and thereby loss of vision. Currently, there is no approved therapy to delay or prevent its progression, and clinical management is challenging because of phenotypic variability and high risk of complications after interventions; however, new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of AAK may help improve its management. Here, we review the current understanding about the pathogenesis and management of AAK. We highlight the biological mechanisms involved in AAK development with the aim to develop future treatment options, including surgical, pharmacological, cell therapies, and gene therapies.