The PhD project investigates how ocular mucin-proteins, and their glycosylation maintain a healthy tear film, while exploring their contribution to the development and progression of dry eye disease.
Dry Eye Disease (DED) affects 10 percent of adults in Northern Europe, leading to reduced quality of life and productivity, with global costs rising.
The tear film consists of two layers: an outer lipid layer that minimizes surface tension and an inner muco-aqueous layer crucial for lubrication and nourishment.
Ocular surface mucins play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by anchoring the tear film, binding water, and preventing infections. Their dysfunction in DED causes water loss, glycocalyx damage, and goblet cell depletion.
This project uses advanced glycomic techniques and machine learning to bridge the gap in understanding mucins and improve future treatments.
