Description

The research line focuses on the study of glaucoma and anterior segment diseases with ocular adnexa, aiming to protect patient well-being and quality of life by reducing visual disability and associated blindness. This is pursued through the investigation of the underlying mechanisms—still largely unknown—and through the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools and the optimization of care pathways. Laboratory activity is aimed at identifying diagnostic, predictive, or therapeutic monitoring biomarkers to support future personalized therapies, forming the basis of precision medicine.

Premise

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. It causes progressive damage to the optic nerve, with elevated intraocular pressure, advanced age, and family history being the main risk factors. The pathophysiology of increased intraocular pressure remains partly unknown. Increased outflow resistance through the trabecular meshwork of the sclero-corneal junction plays a central role in intraocular pressure elevation and is the focus of experimental studies aimed at identifying pathological biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keratoconus is a corneal disease affecting both sexes, more frequently men, and leads to a constant and progressive deterioration of vision. The condition manifests when the central part of the cornea begins to thin and progressively bulge outward. This irregular curvature alters the cornea's refractive power, resulting in blurred vision. Possible solutions include corneal cross-linking and corneal transplantation.

Cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens, leading to reduced vision, and can be resolved surgically. Cataract surgery allows for visual recovery, and the study of new methods for calculating the refractive target improves the patient's post-operative quality of life.

Superficial and intraocular inflammatory processes have pathophysiological mechanisms that are still under investigation.

Rationale

To deepen the understanding of glaucoma through the study of the molecular bases responsible for its pathogenesis and progression of glaucomatous neurodegeneration, to broaden diagnostic and therapeutic (both medical and surgical) perspectives, aiming for earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment for each patient, and to improve care pathways for patients referred from the community to specialized centers.

Ongoing research enables the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for anterior segment diseases. In cataract surgery, new approaches are being studied for calculating the refractive target, with the aim of improving functional outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. The optimization of lamellar corneal transplant procedures aims to enhance functional outcomes and reduce the risk of rejection.

The study of the mechanisms underlying ocular diseases—from the ocular surface to the retinal compartment—and the development of sampling and biomarker analysis devices aim to improve and increase the effectiveness of diagnostic-therapeutic pathways, ultimately reducing social and healthcare costs.

Objectives

• Study of the molecular bases of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and development of new therapeutic strategies
• Molecular and proteomic analysis of glaucomatous neurodegeneration, research of new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers associated with ubiquitin signaling heterogeneity in vitro and ex vivo
• Study of the pathophysiology of trabecular damage and search for new therapeutic strategies
• Evaluation of new therapeutic approaches for glaucoma
• Evaluation of new surgical and para-surgical approaches in glaucoma
• Evaluation of advanced functional diagnostic tools at various stages of glaucomatous disease
• Improvement of clinical therapies for corneal diseases and optimization of lamellar corneal transplant techniques
• Increasing precision in the calculation of premium intraocular lens power for cataract surgery
• Study of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the ocular surface in biochemical and cellular experimental models
• Pathophysiology of the ocular surface: tissue microenvironment, protein profiles, and environmental factors
• Identification of biomolecular targets and gene variants in ocular samples for multifunctional hybrid platforms

RC 2025 Research:

• • Ocular networking: development of experimental models to study aging, para-inflammation, and inflammation through analysis of cell-to-cell and cell-to-mediator crosstalk
  • Biomolecular and epigenetic profiles responsible for inflammation and tissue remodeling of the ocular surface: new targets for targeted therapies
  • Identification of biomolecular targets, gene variants, and circulating microRNAs in biopsy and ocular fluid samples for the development of multifunctional hybrid platforms and lab-on-chip devices
• Diagnostic and surgical techniques for pathological conditions of the lens
• Evaluation of diagnostic and surgical approaches to major corneal diseases
• Study of the pathogenesis of glaucoma on in vitro and ex vivo experimental models using molecular biology and proteomic approaches: identification of molecular determinants of pathogenesis and potential biomarkers associated with intra- and extracellular proteolysis
• Study of the regulatory dynamics of the ubiquitin-proteasome system using chemical-physical and biochemical approaches: investigation of biological properties of proteins involved in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and research of new therapeutic targets
• Evaluation of advanced morphological diagnostic tools for the anterior and posterior segments at various stages of glaucomatous disease
• Evaluation of new therapeutic approaches for glaucoma
• Evaluation of new surgical and para-surgical approaches in glaucoma
• Evaluation of advanced functional diagnostic tools at various stages of glaucomatous disease

Expected Results