Keratocan (KERA)

Keratocan is a protein encoded by the KERA gene.Keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPGs) are members of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family. KSPGs, particularly keratocan, lumican, and mimecan , are important to the transparency of the cornea.

Defects in KERA are the cause of the autosomal recessive cornea plana 2 (CNA2). In CNA2, the forward convex curvature is flattened, leading to a decrease in refraction, reduced visual activity, extreme hyperopia (usually plus 10 d or more), hazy corneal limbus, opacities in the corneal parenchyma, and marked arcus senilis (often detected at an early age). CNA2 is a rare disorder with a worldwide distribution, but a high prevalence in the Finnish population.