High throughput screening (HTS) to identify novel inhibitors of scarring
High throughput screening (HTS) to identify novel inhibitors of scarring
Formation of excess scar tissue is one of the most significant problems associated with wound repair in the ocular orbit, retinal space and the cornea. Tissue scarring occurs through proliferation of myofibroblasts (scar forming cells), as well as myofibroblast-mediated deposition of extracellular matrix. There are few, if any, effective therapies to prevent excess scarring during wound healing. Thus, new directed therapies to prevent scar formation are urgently needed. Using fluorescent and luciferase-based reporter systems and diverse small molecule and genetic libraries, we aim to identify novel small molecule inhibitors that block excessive scar formation.
High Throughput Screening strategy