Disease Update on Human Tear Proteome

Abstract

Tear film is a thin layer of non-newtonian fluid covering and protecting cornea and conjunctiva epithelia. The multifaced functions of tears are reflected by their complex structure and advances in proteomics/metabolomics/lipidomics technologies have greatly deepened the knowledge of the chemical composition of tears. The purpose of this article is to survey recent advances in proteomic analysis of human tears and to summarise the most relevant proteins proposed as biomarkers in dry eye. Besides, the potential clinical application of these biomarkers is discussed.