“At ICIRC, the strong collaboration between clinician–scientists and basic researchers has positioned us globally as a unique translational research team, where challenges encountered at the bedside are effectively addressed and solved in the laboratory.”

Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV) in Children – Unique model for understanding Cancer Angiogenesis and Prevention

Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV) in Children – Application in Certain Cancer

  • Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV), a rare but serious developmental eye disorder.
  • Leads to childhood blindness due to the failure of regression of hyaloid blood vessels during eye development.
  • Arresten, canstatin, endostatin and tumstatin are the key affected anti-angiogenic molecules found in PFV.
  • These key anti-angiogenic factors also found to play role in blood vessel formation in cancers.
  • Given the overlap, our current research aims to:

Identify genetic and molecular signatures regulating the expression of Arresten, Canstatin, Endostatin and Tumstatin (anti-angiogenic factors) in PFV.

Develop immunotherapeutic approaches targeting these molecules, which could not only provide a treatment strategy for PFV but also offer potential applications in certain cancers where similar pathways are active.

This dual-focus study represents a promising avenue for translational research—bridging pediatric eye disease and oncology through shared molecular mechanisms.

Genetics of
Dead Bag Syndrome (DBS)

  • DBS is a rare, late-onset entity, following uncomplicated in-the-bag-IOL-implantation cataract surgery, characterized by spontaneous Posterior Capsule Rupture and malposition of IOLs.
  • Our study aimed to investigate potential genetic variants associated with Dead Bag Syndrome (DBS).
  • We identified that 56.7% of DBS cases harboured genetic variants in either FBN2 gene or laminin genes (LAMB1 and LAMB2), with a higher burden (70.0%) observed in bilateral cases.
  • Genetic variants associated with dysregulation of LECs homeostasis is underway.

Genetics of
Posterior Polar Cataract

  • Posterior polar cataracts are characterized by a round discoid opacity located at the posterior pole of the lens.
  • During Cataract Surgery in these cataracts quite often precipitate posterior capsule rupture occurs complicating the surgical outcome.
  • Our ongoing research looks into genetic variants associated Posterior Polar Cataracts.
The research at ICIRC is far more than academic. It’s a commitment to restoring sight, preventing blindness, and improving quality of life.

Our Commitment

From rural communities to global conferences, ICIRC’s work is creating real change—helping children see clearly, making surgeries safer, and ensuring that even the most complex vision problems can be understood and managed.

Globally Positioned

As India continues to face rising health challenges—especially with diabetes and diabetes related eye complications and Cancers—ICIRC intends to tackle such challenges with integrated scientific innovations.

Our Challenges

Researching Genetics of Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is rapidly emerging as a major cause of vision loss in adults.
  • In India, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate.
  • With millions at risk, the burden of DR on the healthcare is significantly growing.
  • Surprisingly, despite being in similar environment with common life-style factors not all individuals develop diabetes and diabetic related eye complications.
  • This signifies an important role of genetics and genetic predisposition to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.
  • Our current research is centred on uncovering the genetic factors that my influence an individuals susceptibility to diabetes and DR. The key objectives include;

Predicting development of diabetic Retinopathy

  • Mapping genetic and serum biomarkers associated with predisposition to diabetes.
  • Discovering probability of diabeticindividuals to diabetic retinopathy (retinal damage, inflammationand abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye).

Indian Data First-of-It’s Kind

Establishing a dedicated Indian Genetic Database for Diabetic Retinopathy and other diabetes-related complications, to better understand the unique genetic patterns in the Indian population.

Translating Research to Individuals

Developing personalized risk profiles based on an individual's genetic makeup, which would allow clinicians to implement targeted monitoring and preventive strategies before vision loss becomes irreversible.

What Does this Research Mean?

This research has the potential to transform diabetic eye care in India by shifting from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalized, predictive model of care—ultimately reducing blindness and improving quality of life for countless individuals across the country.

Contact Information

Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre (ICIRC)

Address:
Gurukul Road, Memnagar,
Ahmedabad – 380 052,
Gujarat, India.

Phone:
+91 79 4040 0909

Email:
contact@icirc.in

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