Viral vector genic transfer for ocular disease physiopathology comprehension and potentials treatments

• Grant number: 14/25665-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2015
• End date: February 29, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Melani Rocha
• Grantee: Felipe Alves de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ocular diseases have high prevalence and significant impact on life quality. From Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) to the Retinal Degenerations, almost all eye diseases had a substantial epidemiology and pathophysiology knowledge increase on recent decades, in addition to the acquisition of a vast therapeutic arsenal, however commonly with a palliative and repeated use. In this sense, molecular medicine and gene transfer are tools that allow identify missing or excessive molecules in affected individuals and in organs or cell lineages, allowing even induce the production of missing or reparative proteins.For better understand the therapeutic potential of these tools in ocular diseases, this project proposes investigate, in cell culture models and experimental animals, expressed proteins and the functional and structural response of a gene transfer. The disease model for study will be Dry Eye and its effects on Cornea. The specific objective is investigate strategies to promote the gene transduction into the Lacrimal Gland (LG), with potential to be monitored by viral vectors, and observe their destination, which can be through secretion via blood, tear, or accumulation in the LG, and its cellular and functional effects. For this purpose, molecular cloning vectors techniques, eye exam, western blot, ELISA, and histology will be used.