The ocular lens is a model system for understanding important aspects of embryonic
development, such as cell specification and the spatiotemporally controlled formation of a …

This chapter provides an overview of the early developmental origins of six ocular tissues:
the cornea, lens, ciliary body, iris, neural retina, and retina pigment epithelium. Many of …

Mutations in the transcription factor genes FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 cause congenital
lens defects including cataracts that may be accompanied by defects in other components of …

Peters anomaly is a rare form of anterior segment ocular dysgenesis, which can also be
associated with additional systemic defects. At this time, the majority of cases of Peters …

Background Promoters and enhancers are cis-regulatory DNA sequences that control
specificity and quantity of transcription. Both are rich on clusters of cis-acting sites that …

Mutations in Peroxidasin (PXDN) cause severe inherited eye disorders in humans, such as
congenital cataract, corneal opacity and developmental glaucoma. The role of peroxidasin …

Glaucoma is an important cause of irreversible blindness, characterized by optic nerve
anomalies. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and aging are major risk factors. Retinal …

Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and data analysis have provided new
gateways for identification of novel genome-wide genetic determinants governing tissue …

The generation of a self-formed, ectodermal, autonomous multi-zone (SEAM) from human
induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offers a unique perspective to study the dynamics of …

Most of the cranial sense organs of vertebrates arise from embryonic structures known as
cranial placodes. Such placodes also give rise to sensory neurons that transmit information …