The focus of our research is the study of the proteinases that degrade the cornea and the inhibitors that control these molecules. Control of the synthesis of proteinase and proteinase inhibitors is critical in the function of the cornea. Plasminogen, the precursor of the fibrinolytic enzyme plasmin, was identified as a protein that is synthesized by corneal cells but not by most other cells with the exception of hepatic cells.
Most tissues obtain plasminogen from the blood.
Current studies are directed towards understanding the mechanism by which plasminogen synthesis is induced by corneal cells. Corneal cells, unlike most non-malignant cells, convert plasminogen to angiostatin. Angiostatin is a potent antiangiogenic molecule found in the cornea. Current studies are focused on determining the mechanism the cornea uses to convert plasminogen to angiostatin. In the cornea not only do epithelial cells synthesize this molecule but also corneal stromal cells.