Influence of Relaxin 2 on corneal stromal scars

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Ulrike Hampel
• Subject Area: Ophthalmology
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 258441555

Aim of this project is to investigate the impact of Relaxin 2 (RLN2) on corneal stromal scar formation. So far we have shown that the hormone RLN2 is present in human tear fluid and in tissues of the ocular surface. Using specific receptors RLN2 increases migration and proliferation and regulates expression of matrix metalloproteinases in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells in vitro. In vivo experiments in a murine corneal epithelial wound healing model demonstrated an accelerated defect closure under recombinant RLN2 treatment. These results clearly indicate the positive effect of RLN2 on corneal epithelial wound healing. However, corneal wounds often do not only affect the epithelial layer but in most cases also involve the corneal stroma leading frequently to stromal scar formation as a complication. Such corneal scars are a major cause for blindness world-wide. Although there are possible approaches to treat corneal opacity, there is still a lack of non-invasive options. The proposed project will clarify whether RLN2 is able to inhibit stromal scar formation after corneal wounding, resolves stromal scars that occur as a complication after corneal wounding and whether application of recombinant RLN2 onto intact or injured corneas has an impact on corneal neovascularization. The experiments will involve primary human and murine corneal fibroblasts and a murine alkali-burn induced corneal scar model as well as a murine suture induced neovascularization model of the cornea. This project will bring us closer to our future aim to develop new options to treat corneal wounds and scars.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants