The role of collagenase (MMP-1) in the pathogenesis of human pterygia

Funding Activity

Website
http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/209635

Funding Status
Closed

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Funded Activity Summary

Pterygia are a common, recurrent, disfiguring, and sight-threatening disease of the human eye. This disease is extremely common world wide and particularly in the Australian aboriginal population. The triggers for this disease are unknown. Prolonged exposure to environmental elements, such as ultra violet (UV) light, is proposed to be the main initiating factor. Our previous studies have shown the important role played by a family of proteolytic enzymes (metalloproteinases) in the progressive and invasive nature of pterygia. We have significant preliminary evidence that a large percentage of patients with pterygia carry a mutation in one of these enzymes (collagenase-1). This is the most abundant enzyme expressed in pterygium tissue and probably plays a major role in invasion and progression in this disease. UV light activates cells in pterygia to induce expression of collagenase-1. This study will determine whether or not people with a genetic predisposition are more likely to develop pterygia and whether or not environmental factors, such as UV light, trigger progression of disease. If this is the case, then subjects with this genetic predisposition would be at increased risk for the development of pterygia (and their complications) and could be advised to take preventative measures to minimize the risk of developing this disease.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2002

End Date: 01-01-2004

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $246,100.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Opthalmology And Vision Science

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

aboriginal health | cornea | disease mechanisms | environmental health issues | enzyme expression | genetic polymorphism | genetic predisposition to disease | matrix metalloproteinase | ocular surface disease | uv radiation

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