Studies in Families With Corneal Dystrophy or Other Inherited Corneal Diseases

Objective: This project, Clinical and Molecular Studies in Families With Corneal Dystrophy or Other Inherited Corneal Diseases will study the inheritance of corneal dystrophy and other inherited corneal diseases, both Mendelian and complex in order to identify the genes that, when mutated, cause corneal disease and the pathophysiology through which they act. Study Population: Families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. We will study a maximum or 2,000 patients and family members. Design: The study consists of ascertaining individuals, and especially families with multiple individuals, affected by corneal dystrophy and other inherited corneal diseases. These patients and their families will undergo detailed ophthalmological examinations to characterize their corneal disease and determine their affectation status. A blood sample will be collected from each individual for isolation of DNA and in some individuals for lymphoblastoid transformation to establish a renewable source of DNA. Linkage analysis, physical mapping, and mutational screening will be carried out to identify the specific the gene and the mutations in it that are associated with corneal disease in this family. If necessary, the gene product will be characterized biochemically. All associate investigators will carry out patient ascertainment, diagnosis, and sample referral, and in some cases molecular genetic analyses. The study will enroll subjects at NEI and collaborating institutions. Outcome Measures: Linkage will be determined using the lod score method and mutations in specific genes will be assessed using a combination of residue conservation, blosum score, and molecular modeling. Biochemical, metabolic, and physiological effects will be individualized to the specific assay.