PPIP5K2 and PCSK1 are Candidate Genetic Contributors to Familial Keratoconus

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 18;9(1):19406. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-55866-5.

Abstract

Keratoconus (KC) is the most common corneal ectatic disorder affecting >300,000 people in the US. KC normally has its onset in adolescence, progressively worsening through the third to fourth decades of life. KC patients report significant impaired vision-related quality of life. Genetic factors play an important role in KC pathogenesis. To identify novel genes in familial KC patients, we performed whole exome and genome sequencing in a four-generation family. We identified potential variants in the PPIP5K2 and PCSK1 genes. Using in vitro cellular model and in vivo gene-trap mouse model, we found critical evidence to support the role of PPIP5K2 in normal corneal function and KC pathogenesis. The gene-trap mouse showed irregular corneal surfaces and pathological corneal thinning resembling KC. For the first time, we have integrated corneal tomography and pachymetry mapping into characterization of mouse corneal phenotypes which could be widely implemented in basic and translational research for KC diagnosis and therapy in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Cornea / diagnostic imaging
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Topography / methods
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Female
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genome, Human / genetics
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / genetics*
  • Keratoconus / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Pedigree
  • Phosphotransferases (Phosphate Group Acceptor) / genetics*
  • Proprotein Convertase 1 / genetics*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Phosphotransferases (Phosphate Group Acceptor)
  • PPIP5K2 protein, human
  • PCSK1 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 1