Abstract: The present invention relates to the quantification of various biomarkers, including MMP9 (Inflammatory marker), LOX (Lysyl oxidase), IL6 (Interleukin-6), TNF? (tumor necrosis factor alpha), VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1) in aqueous humor, vitreous humor, tear and serum of patients with ocular diseases. The invention further describes the role of biomarkers in the pathogenesis, progression of ocular diseases. Hence, the level of biomarkers serves as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in ocular diseases. The invention further relates to the use of multiple biomarkers that can be simultaneously used for testing various corneal and retinal diseases.

Abstract: Hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector systems able to efficiently express therapeutic target genes larger than may be carried in a single AAV vector are provided, wherein a highly recombinogenic foreign DNA sequence is incorporated into two or more ITR-mediated AAV vectors. In one aspect of one embodiment, the novel hybrid AAV vector system is a hybrid dual AAV (hdAAV) vector system. In another aspect of one embodiment, the novel hybrid AAV vector system is a hybrid tri AAV (htAAV) vector system. A method of treating a clinical disease caused at least in part by a defective gene is provided, and comprises (1) providing a hybrid AAV vector system capable of expressing a therapeutic target gene, wherein the therapeutic target gene is capable of replacing, restoring or counteracting the effects of the defective gene; and (2) administering a therapeutic amount of said vector system to a subject wherein said therapeutic target gene is expressed at levels having a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector systems able to efficiently express therapeutic target genes larger than may be carried in a single AAV vector are provided, wherein a highly recombinogenic foreign DNA sequence is incorporated into two or more ITR-mediated AAV vectors. In one aspect of one embodiment, the novel hybrid AAV vector system is a hybrid dual AAV (hdAAV) vector system. In another aspect of one embodiment, the novel hybrid AAV vector system is a hybrid tri AAV (htAAV) vector system. A method of treating a clinical disease caused at least in part by a defective gene is provided, and comprises (1) providing a hybrid AAV vector system capable of expressing a therapeutic target gene, wherein the therapeutic target gene is capable of replacing, restoring or counteracting the effects of the defective gene; and (2) administering a therapeutic amount of said vector system to a subject wherein said therapeutic target gene is expressed at levels having a therapeutic effect.