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Purpose: Mice deficient in Wwtr1, the gene that encodes transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are associated with decreased corneal endothelial cell (CEnC) density and alteration in Descemet’s membrane reminiscent of late-onset Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative capacity of CEnCs following excimer laser-induced injury in TAZ deficient (Wwtr1+/-) and wildtype (WT) mice.

Methods: A phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) was performed with an excimer laser (2 mm diameter, 40 Hz, 20 μm depth) in both eyes of 6-month-old Wwtr1+/-and WT mice (N= 6 for each genotype). Prior to PTK and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14, slit lamp biomicroscopy, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed to monitor clinical progression, central corneal thickness (CCT) and CEnC density …