Primary Congenital Glaucoma (PCG) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by unknown developmental defect(s) of the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle. Although PCG is the most common form of glaucoma in infancy, nothing secure is known about its specific embryological pathogenesis despite studies of various animal models Dr. Bejjani's laboratory is interested in molecular approaches to elucidate the genetic basis of human ocular diseases in general and PCG in particular.The laboratory is currently investigating the role of CYP1B1 in ocular development and the modulators of CYP1B1 expression. These studies should provide insight into pharmacologic targets for the antenatal modulation or postnatal therapy of PCG and possibly other forms of glaucoma. More recently, the laboratory identified many families in Quito, Ecuador with autosomal dominant keratoconous. Current efforts are directed at mapping and cloning genes for keratoconous in this unique population as a first step toward understanding the pathophysiology of this condition.