Descemet's membrane (DM)

Descemet's membrane is the specialized basement membrane of the corneal endothelium, situated between the corneal stroma and the endothelial layer [1]. It is primarily composed of a hexagonal lattice of collagen type VIII and a basement membrane-like meshwork of collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin [2]. Biologically, it serves as a structural scaffold for the attachment and migration of corneal endothelial cells, which are vital for maintaining corneal dehydration and transparency [1, 3]. Pathologically, the membrane is central to conditions like Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, where it thickens and develops collagenous excrescences known as guttae, and keratoconus, where it may rupture [3, 4]. While it is a critical site for surgical interventions like Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), it does not function as a molecular receptor or enzyme for drug binding, making it an anatomical structure rather than a traditional therapeutic target [5]. Sources: [1] StatPearls, 'Anatomy, Eye, Cornea' (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544216/) [2] Wikipedia, 'Descemet's membrane' (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descemet%27s_membrane) [3] NIH/NEI, 'Fuchs' Dystrophy' (https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/fuchs-dystrophy) [4] PubMed, 'The role of Descemet's membrane in corneal disease' (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11063244/) [5] American Academy of Ophthalmology, 'Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty' (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/dmek-surgery)

Other names

Posterior limiting laminaLamina elastica posteriorDescemet membrane

Not applicable as this is an anatomical structure rather than a molecular drug target.