This result is consistent with prior studies that have found reduced expression of gene families associated with ion and water transport in the CE of FECD patients including bicarbonate transporter-related protein-1 (BTR1) [35], aquaporin-1 (AQP1) [36], and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) [37]. This evidence concerns the gene AQP1 and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.