Integrated Stress Response and Decreased ECM in Cultured Stromal Cells From Keratoconus Corneas

Abstract

The profound decrease in structural proteins in cultured KC cells and increase in the p-eIF2α, and ATF4, suggest a stress related blockade in structural proteins not immediately needed for cell survival. Therefore, this cell culture system reveals an intrinsic aggravated stress response with consequent decrease in ECM proteins as potential pathogenic underpinnings in KC.