mRNA Sequencing of Limbal Epithelial Cells and mRNA/miRNA Profiling of Limbal Stromal Cells in

Summary: Imagine being born without a normal iris (the colored part of the eye). This rare condition, called congenital aniridia, can cause severe vision problems over time. Scientists wanted to know exactly why the clear front part of the eye (the cornea) gets cloudy and damaged in these patients. They looked closely at two types of eye cells: surface cells and deep support cells. By reading the genetic instructions (mRNA) in these cells, they found big differences compared to healthy eyes. The surface cells showed signs of severe swelling and inflammation. Meanwhile, the deep support cells had broken energy factories (mitochondria). This discovery helps explain why the eye gets damaged and points to new ways we might treat this blinding disease in the future!