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Zhang X, Hu S, Xiang X, Li Z, Chen Z, Xia C, He Q, Jin J, Chen H. Bulk and single-cell transcriptome profiling identify potential cellular targets of the long noncoding RNA Gas5 in renal fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167206. [PMID: 38718848 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific 5 (lncRNA Gas5) is implicated in various kidney diseases. In this study, we investigated the lncRNA Gas5 expression profile and its critical role as a potential biomarker in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Subsequently, we assessed the effect of lncRNA Gas5 deletion on renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The results indicated that loss of lncRNA Gas5 exacerbates UUO-induced renal injury and extracellular matrix deposition. Notably, the deletion of lncRNA Gas5 had a similar effect on control mice. The fibrogenic phenotype observed in mice lacking lncRNA Gas5 correlates with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway activation and aberrant cytokine and chemokine reprogramming. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed key transcriptomic features of fibroblasts after Gas5 deletion, revealing heterogeneous cellular states suggestive of a propensity for renal fibrosis. Our findings indicate that lncRNA Gas5 regulates the differentiation and activation of immune cells and the transcription of key genes in the PPAR signaling pathway. These data offer novel insights into the involvement of lncRNA Gas5 in renal fibrosis, potentially paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Shouci Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhejun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Xia
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China.
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Sun D, Zhang X, Chen R, Sang T, Li Y, Wang Q, Xie L, Zhou Q, Dou S. Decoding cellular plasticity and niche regulation of limbal stem cells during corneal wound healing. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:201. [PMID: 38971839 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03816-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction or deficiency of corneal epithelium results in vision impairment or blindness in severe cases. The rapid and effective regeneration of corneal epithelial cells relies on the limbal stem cells (LSCs). However, the molecular and functional responses of LSCs and their niche cells to injury remain elusive. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on corneal tissues from normal mice and corneal epithelium defect models. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to confirm the distinct characteristics and cell fates of LSCs. Knockdown of Creb5 and OSM treatment experiment were performed to determine their roles of in corneal epithelial wound healing. RESULTS Our data defined the molecular signatures of LSCs and reconstructed the pseudotime trajectory of corneal epithelial cells. Gene network analyses characterized transcriptional landmarks that potentially regulate LSC dynamics, and identified a transcription factor Creb5, that was expressed in LSCs and significantly upregulated after injury. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that silencing Creb5 delayed the corneal epithelial healing and LSC mobilization. Through cell-cell communication analysis, we identified 609 candidate regeneration-associated ligand-receptor interaction pairs between LSCs and distinct niche cells, and discovered a unique subset of Arg1+ macrophages infiltrated after injury, which were present as the source of Oncostatin M (OSM), an IL-6 family cytokine, that were demonstrated to effectively accelerate the corneal epithelial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS This research provides a valuable single-cell resource and reference for the discovery of mechanisms and potential clinical interventions aimed at ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tian Sang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
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Meng F, Ren S. Identification of hub genes and molecular pathways in keratoconus by integrating bioinformatics and literature mining at the RNA level. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:244. [PMID: 38904678 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Keratoconus (KC) is a condition characterized by progressive corneal steepening and thinning. However, its pathophysiological mechanism remains vague. We mainly performed literature mining to extract bioinformatic and related data on KC at the RNA level. The objective of this study was to explore the potential pathological mechanisms of KC by identifying hub genes and key molecular pathways at the RNA level. METHODS We performed an exhaustive search of the PubMed database and identified studies that pertained to gene transcripts derived from diverse corneal layers in patients with KC. The identified differentially expressed genes were intersected, and overlapping genes were extracted for further analyses. Significantly enriched genes were screened using "Gene Ontology" (GO) and "Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes" (KEGG) analysis with the "Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery" (DAVID) database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the significantly enriched genes using the STRING database. The PPI network was visualized using the Cytoscape software, and hub genes were screened via betweenness centrality values. Pathways that play a critical role in the pathophysiology of KC were discovered using the GO and KEGG analyses of the hub genes. RESULTS 68 overlapping genes were obtained. Fifty genes were significantly enriched in 67 biological processes, and 16 genes were identified in 7 KEGG pathways. Moreover, 14 nodes and 32 edges were identified via the PPI network constructed using the STRING database. Multiple analyses identified 4 hub genes, 12 enriched biological processes, and 6 KEGG pathways. GO enrichment analysis showed that the hub genes are mainly involved in the positive regulation of apoptotic process, and KEGG analysis showed that the hub genes are primarily associated with the interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathways. Overall, the matrix metalloproteinase 9, IL-6, estrogen receptor 1, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 were the potential important genes associated with KC. CONCLUSION Four genes, matrix metalloproteinase 9, IL-6, estrogen receptor 1, and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2, as well as IL-17 and TNF pathways, are critical in the development of KC. Inflammation and apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiying Meng
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital/People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- Eye Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengwei Ren
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital/People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
- Eye Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China.
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Jiang L, Dai C, Wei Y, Zhao B, Li Q, Wu Z, Zou L, Ye Z, Yang Z, Huang L, Shi Y. Identification of LRRC46 as a novel candidate gene for high myopia. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2583-6. [PMID: 38874710 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2583-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
High myopia (HM) is the primary cause of blindness, with the microstructural organization and composition of collagenous fibers in the cornea and sclera playing a crucial role in the biomechanical behavior of these tissues. In a previously reported myopic linkage region, MYP5 (17q21-22), a potential candidate gene, LRRC46 (c.C235T, p.Q79X), was identified in a large Han Chinese pedigree. LRRC46 is expressed in various eye tissues in humans and mice, including the retina, cornea, and sclera. In subsequent cell experiments, the mutation (c.C235T) decreased the expression of LRRC46 protein in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-T). Further investigation revealed that Lrrc46-/- mice (KO) exhibited a classical myopia phenotype. The thickness of the cornea and sclera in KO mice became thinner and more pronounced with age, the activity of limbal stem cells decreased, and microstructural changes were observed in the fibroblasts of the sclera and cornea. We performed RNA-seq on scleral and corneal tissues of KO and normal control wild-type (WT) mice, which indicated a significant downregulation of the collagen synthesis-related pathway (extracellular matrix, ECM) in KO mice. Subsequent in vitro studies further indicated that LRRC46, a member of the important LRR protein family, primarily affected the formation of collagens. This study suggested that LRRC46 is a novel candidate gene for HM, influencing collagen protein VIII (Col8a1) formation in the eye and gradually altering the biomechanical structure of the cornea and sclera, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of HM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Chao Dai
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yao Wei
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Qi Li
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Zhengzheng Wu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Zimeng Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Zhenglin Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongging, 40000, China.
| | - Lulin Huang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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Raiskup F, Herber R, Lenk J, Pillunat LE, Spoerl E. Crosslinking with UV-A and riboflavin in progressive keratoconus: From laboratory to clinical practice - Developments over 25 years. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101276. [PMID: 38830532 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Changes in the biomechanical and biochemical properties of the human cornea play an important role in the pathogenesis of ectatic diseases. A number of conditions in primarily acquired (keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration) or secondarily induced (iatrogenic keratectasia after refractive laser surgeries) ectatic disorders lead to decreased biomechanical stability. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) represents a technique to slow or even halt the progression of ectatic pathologies. In this procedure, riboflavin is applied in combination with ultraviolet A radiation. This interaction induces the production of reactive oxygen species, which leads to the formation of additional covalent bonds between collagen molecules and subsequent biomechanical corneal strengthening. This procedure is so far the only method that partially interferes etiopathogenetically in the treatment of ectatic diseases that slows or stops the process of corneal destabilization, otherwise leading to the need for corneal transplantation. Besides, CXL process increases markedly resistance of collagenous matrix against digesting enzymes supporting its use in the treatment of corneal ulcers. Since the discovery of this therapeutic procedure and the first laboratory experiments, which confirmed the validity of this method, and the first clinical studies that proved the effectiveness and safety of the technique, it has been spread and adopted worldwide, even with further modifications. Making use of the Bunsen-Roscoe photochemical law it was possible to shorten the duration of this procedure in accelerated CXL and thus improve the clinical workflow and patient compliance while maintaining the efficacy and safety of the procedure. The indication spectrum of CXL can be further expanded by combining it with other vision-enhancing procedures such as individualized topographically-guided excimer ablation. Complementing both techniques will allow a patient with a biomechanically stable cornea to regularize it and improve visual acuity without the need for tissue transplantation, leading to a long-term improvement in quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Raiskup
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Robert Herber
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Janine Lenk
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lutz E Pillunat
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Eberhard Spoerl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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Chen X, Chen L. Causal Links Between Systemic Disorders and Keratoconus in European Population. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 265:189-199. [PMID: 38705552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish the presence of a causal linkage between prevalent systemic diseases and keratoconus (KC). DESIGN Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS After an exhaustive screening process, genetic variants linked to various systemic diseases were identified as instrumental variables at the genome-wide significance level. Subsequently, MR analyses were conducted to elucidate their potential causal connection with KC (N = 26,742). The encompassed systemic ailments comprise diabetes, hay fever/allergic rhinitis/eczema, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid dysfunction, aortic aneurysm, major depressive disorder, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and mitral valve prolapse. Our study adheres to the principles of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Using MR guidelines. RESULTS Using inverse variance weighting as the primary MR analysis method, our findings revealed that hay fever/allergic rhinitis/eczema (odds ratio, 10.144; 95% CI, 2.441-42.149; P = .001) and ulcerative colitis (odds ratio, 1.147; 95% CI, 1.054-1.248; P = .002) were associated with an increased risk of KC within the largest population under scrutiny. Conversely, the prolonged hyperglycemic state did not exhibit a potentially protective effect in delaying the pathogenesis of KC, and no correlation was observed between the two (odds ratio, 0.320; 95% CI, 0.029-3.549; P = .353). Also, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid function, aortic aneurysm, major depressive disorder, Crohn's disease, and mitral valve prolapse did not exhibit a causal association with KC (P > .05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates an increased risk of KC related to hay fever/allergic rhinitis/eczema and ulcerative colitis, with diabetes not providing a protective effect. These findings may potentially contribute some insights to inform clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxue Chen
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (X.C.), The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Lanlan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (L.C.), General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Xu L, Zheng X, Yin S, Yang K, Fan Q, Gu Y, Yuan Y, Yin C, Zang Y, Pang C, Sun L, Ren S. Association of Novel Loci With Keratoconus Susceptibility in a Chinese Genome-Wide Association Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:29. [PMID: 38767907 PMCID: PMC11114610 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disease that can lead to corneal blindness if not properly managed. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic associations with KC in China and to investigate whether these genetic variants are associated with corneal thickness and corneal curvature in KC cases. Methods A genome-wide association study was conducted on 853 patients with KC and 6248 controls. The KC cases were genotyped with the Illumina Infinium Human Asian Screening Array BeadChip, and the controls were genotyped with the Illumina Infinium Human Global Screening Array BeadChip. Genetic associations with KC, as well as correlations between the positive variants and corneal parameters including central corneal thickness (CCT) and mean keratometry (Km), were compared using PLINK version 1.90. Results Our present study identified four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within four risk loci (PTGER3: rs2300163, EYA1: rs1077435, ASS1: rs141365191, and CHTF8: rs3743680) associated with KC in Chinese patients that reached genome-wide significance. Among the identified SNPs with P < 1.00 × 10-4, seven SNPs (FOSL2-PLB1: rs12622211, RXRA-COL5A1: rs3118515, rs3132306, rs1536482, rs3118520, KAT6B: rs192187772, RAP2A-IPO5: rs41361245) were observed to be associated with CCT, and one SNP (USP13: rs6767552) was found to be associated with Km. Conclusions In the first genome-wide association study of KC with a relatively large study population in China, we identified four SNPs in four risk loci associated with the disease. The findings enriched the understanding of genetic susceptibility to KC and provided new insights into the genetic etiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Xu
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Eye Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kaili Yang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Eye Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuwei Gu
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Yin
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yonghao Zang
- Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenjiu Pang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liangdan Sun
- Department of Dermatology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital Tangshan, China
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shengwei Ren
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Eye Institute, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
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Gao JF, Dong YY, Jin X, Dai LJ, Wang JR, Zhang H. Identification and Verification of Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Keratoconus Using Bioinformatics Analysis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2383-2397. [PMID: 38660574 PMCID: PMC11041983 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s455337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Keratoconus is a commonly progressive and blinding corneal disorder. Iron metabolism and oxidative stress play crucial roles in both keratoconus and ferroptosis. However, the association between keratoconus and ferroptosis is currently unclear. This study aimed to analyze and verify the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in the pathogenesis of keratoconus through bioinformatics. Methods We first obtained keratoconus-related datasets and FRGs. Then, the differentially expressed FRGs (DE-FRGs) associated with keratoconus were screened through analysis, followed by analysis of their biological functions. Subsequently, the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms were used to screen for diagnostic biomarkers. GSEA was performed to explore the potential functions of the marker genes. Finally, the associations between these biomarkers and immune cells were analyzed. qRT‒PCR was used to detect the expression of these biomarkers in corneal tissues. Results A total of 39 DE-FRGs were screened, and functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DE-FRGs were closely related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the immune response. Then, using multiple algorithms, 6 diagnostic biomarkers were selected, and the ROC curve was used to verify their risk prediction ability. In addition, based on CIBERSORT analysis, alterations in the immune microenvironment of keratoconus patients might be associated with H19, GCH1, CHAC1, and CDKN1A. Finally, qRT‒PCR confirmed that the expression of H19 and CHAC1 was elevated in the keratoconus group. Conclusion This study identified 6 DE-FRGs, 4 of which were associated with immune infiltrating cells, and established a diagnostic model with predictive value for keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fan Gao
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Yan Dong
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Jun Dai
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Rao Wang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
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Song T, Song J, Li J, Ben Hilal H, Li X, Feng P, Chen W. The candidate proteins associated with keratoconus: A meta-analysis and bioinformatic analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299739. [PMID: 38483957 PMCID: PMC10939257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Keratoconus (KC) is a multifactorial disorder. This study aimed to conduct a systematic meta-analysis to exclusively explore the candidate proteins associated with KC pathogenesis. METHODS Relevant literature published in the last ten years in Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched. Protein expression data were presented as the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The meta-analysis is registered on PROSPERO, registration number CRD42022332442 and was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA). GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed, as well as the miRNAs and chemicals targeting the candidate proteins were predicted. PPI was analyzed to screen the hub proteins, and their expression was verified by RT-qPCR. RESULTS A total of 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 346 normal eyes and 493 KC eyes. 18 deregulated proteins with significant SMD values were subjected to further analysis. In which, 7 proteins were up-regulated in KC compared with normal controls, including IL6 (SMD 1.54, 95%CI [0.85, 2.24]), IL1B (SMD 2.07, 95%CI [0.98, 3.16]), TNF (SMD 2.1, 95%CI [0.24, 3.96]), and MMP9 (SMD 1.96, 95%CI [0.68, 3.24]). While 11 proteins were down-regulated in KC including LOX (SMD 2.54, 95%CI [-4.51, -0.57]). GO and KEGG analysis showed that the deregulated proteins were involved in inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and apoptosis. MMP9, IL6, LOX, TNF, and IL1B were regarded as hub proteins according to the PPI analysis, and their transcription changes in stromal fibroblasts of KC were consistent with the results of the meta-analysis. Moreover, 10 miRNAs and two natural polyphenols interacting with hub proteins were identified. CONCLUSION This study obtained 18 candidate proteins and demonstrated altered cytokine profiles, ECM remodeling, and apoptosis in KC patients through meta-analysis and bioinformatic analysis. It will provide biomarkers for further understanding of KC pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic targets for the drug treatment of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Song
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Song
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Halima Ben Hilal
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
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10
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Thomasy SM, Leonard BC, Greiner MA, Skeie JM, Raghunathan VK. Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101234. [PMID: 38176611 PMCID: PMC11193890 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The cornea, as a dynamic and responsive tissue, constantly interacts with mechanical forces in order to maintain its structural integrity, barrier function, transparency and refractive power. Cells within the cornea sense and respond to various mechanical forces that fundamentally regulate their morphology and fate in development, homeostasis and pathophysiology. Corneal cells also dynamically regulate their extracellular matrix (ECM) with ensuing cell-ECM crosstalk as the matrix serves as a dynamic signaling reservoir providing biophysical and biochemical cues to corneal cells. Here we provide an overview of mechanotransduction signaling pathways then delve into the recent advances in corneal mechanobiology, focusing on the interplay between mechanical forces and responses of the corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. We also identify species-specific differences in corneal biomechanics and mechanotransduction to facilitate identification of optimal animal models to study corneal wound healing, disease, and novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and therapeutic opportunities in corneal mechanobiology that are pressing for the research community to address especially pertinent within the domains of limbal stem cell deficiency, keratoconus and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. By furthering our understanding corneal mechanobiology, we can contextualize discoveries regarding corneal diseases as well as innovative treatments for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Brian C Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mark A Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
| | - Jessica M Skeie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
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11
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Nowak-Malczewska DM, Swierkowska J, Gajecka M. Differentially expressed microRNAs targeting genes in key pathways in keratoconus. Front Genet 2024; 15:1301676. [PMID: 38469119 PMCID: PMC10925626 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1301676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Keratoconus (KTCN) is a corneal ectasia, characterized by a progressive thinning and protrusion of the cornea, with a complex etiology involving genetic, behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Previous studies indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be involved in KTCN pathogenesis. This in silico study aimed to identify precursor microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) differentially expressed in KTCN corneas and to characterize mature miRNAs and their target genes. Materials and methods: Expression levels of pre-miRNAs were retrieved from our previously obtained RNA sequencing data of 25 KTCN and 25 non-KTCN human corneas (PMID:28145428, PMID:30994860). Differential expression with FDR ≤0.01 and ≥1.5-fold changes were considered significant. Lists of target genes (target score ≥90) of mature miRNAs were obtained from miRDB. Revealed up-/downregulated miRNAs and their target genes were assessed in databases and literature. Enrichment analyses were completed applying the DAVID database. Results: From a total of 47 pre-miRNAs, six were remarkably upregulated (MIR184, MIR548I1, MIR200A, MIR6728, MIR429, MIR1299) and four downregulated (MIR6081, MIR27B, MIR23B, MIR23A) in KTCN corneas. Out of the 1,409 target genes, 220 genes with decreased and 57 genes with increased expression levels in KTCN samples vs non-KTCN samples were found. The extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, response to mechanical stimulus, regulation of cell shape, and signal transduction processes/pathways were identified as distinctive in enrichment analyses. Also, processes associated with the regulation of transcription and DNA binding were listed. Conclusion: Indicated miRNAs and their target genes might be involved in KTCN pathogenesis via disruption of crucial molecular processes, including ECM organization and signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota M. Nowak-Malczewska
- Chair and Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Marzena Gajecka
- Chair and Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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12
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Miao YY, Ma XM, Qu ZX, Eliasy A, Wu BW, Xu H, Wang P, Zheng XB, Wang JJ, Ye YF, Chen SH, Elsheikh A, Bao FJ. Performance of Corvis ST Parameters Including Updated Stress-Strain Index in Differentiating Between Normal, Forme-Fruste, Subclinical, and Clinical Keratoconic Eyes. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 258:196-207. [PMID: 37879454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study seeks to evaluate the ability of the updated stress strain index (SSIv2) and other Corvis ST biomechanical parameters in distinguishing between keratoconus at different disease stages and normal eyes. DESIGN Diagnostic accuracy analysis to distinguish disease stages. METHODS 1084 eyes were included and divided into groups of normal (199 eyes), forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC, 194 eyes), subclinical keratoconus (SKC, 113 eyes), mild clinical keratoconus (CKC-Ⅰ, 175 eyes), moderate clinical keratoconus (CKC-Ⅱ, 204 eyes), and severe clinical keratoconus (CKC-Ⅲ, 199 eyes). Each eye was subjected to a Corvis ST examination to determine the central corneal thickness (CCT), biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP), SSIv2 (updated stress-strain index), and other 8 Corvis parameters including the stress-strain index (SSIv1), stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP-A1), first applanation time (A1T), Ambrósio relational thickness to the horizontal profile (ARTh), integrated inverse radius (IIR), maximum deformation amplitude (DAM), ratio between deformation amplitude at the apex and at 2 mm nasal and temporal (DARatio2), and Corvis biomechanical index (CBI). The sensitivity and specificity of these parameters in diagnosing keratoconus were analyzed through receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS Before and after correction for CCT and bIOP, SSIv2 and ARTh were significantly higher and IIR and CBI were significantly lower in the normal group than in the FFKC group, SKC group and the 3 CKC groups (all P < .05). There were also significant correlations between the values of SSIv2, ARTh, IIR, CBI, and the CKC severity (all P < .05). AUC of SSIv2 was significantly higher than all other Corvis parameters in distinguishing normal eyes from FFKC, followed by IIR, ARTh and CBI. CONCLUSION Corvis ST's updated stress-strain index, SSIv2, demonstrated superior performance in differentiating between normal and keratoconic corneas, and between corneas with different keratoconus stages. Similar, but less pronounced, performance was demonstrated by the IIR, ARTh and CBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Miao
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Min Ma
- Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital (X.-M.M.), Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan-Xin Qu
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ashkan Eliasy
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool (A.Eli., A.Els.), Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bo-Wen Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pu Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Institute of Ocular Biomechanics, Wenzhou Medical University (X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.C., F.-J.B.), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Institute of Ocular Biomechanics, Wenzhou Medical University (X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.C., F.-J.B.), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Feng Ye
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shi-Hao Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Institute of Ocular Biomechanics, Wenzhou Medical University (X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.C., F.-J.B.), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ahmed Elsheikh
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool (A.Eli., A.Els.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (A.Els.), London, United Kingdom; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University (A.Els.), Beijing, China
| | - Fang-Jun Bao
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, WenZhou Medical University (Y.-Y.M., Z.-X.Q., B.-W.W., H.X., P.W., X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., Y.-F.Y., S.-H.C., F.-J.B), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Institute of Ocular Biomechanics, Wenzhou Medical University (X.-B.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.C., F.-J.B.), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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Krok M, Wróblewska-Czajka E, Łach-Wojnarowicz O, Bronikowska J, Czuba ZP, Wylęgała E, Dobrowolski D. Analysis of Cytokine and Chemokine Level in Tear Film in Keratoconus Patients before and after Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1052. [PMID: 38256126 PMCID: PMC10816198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a degenerative corneal disorder whose aetiology remains unknown. The aim of our study was to analyse the expressions of cytokines and chemokines in KC patients before and after specified time intervals after corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment to better understand the molecular mechanisms occurring before and after CXL in KC patients process of corneal regeneration.; Tear samples were gathered from 52 participants immediately after the CXL procedure and during the 12-month follow-up period. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and tear samples were collected before and after CXL at regular intervals: 1 day before and after the surgery, at the day 7 visit, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after CXL. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people. 10 patients were women (50%) and 10 were men (50%). The mean age was 30 ± 3 years of age. Tear analysis was performed using the Bio-Plex 3D Suspension Array System. Corneal topography parameters measured by Scheimpflug Camera included: keratometry values (Ks, Kf), PI-Apex, PI-Thinnest, Cylinder.; All the 12 months post-op values of the KC patients' topographic measurements were significantly lower than the pre-op. As for the tear cytokine levels comparison between the patient and control groups, cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CXCL-10, among others, were detected in lower amounts in the KC group. The pre-op level of IL-6 exhibited a significant increase the day after CXL, whereas comparing the day after the procedure to 12 months after CXL, this showed a significant decrease. Both TNF-α and IL-1 showed a significant decrease compared to the day before and after CXL. We observed significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α in moderate and severe keratoconus than in mild keratoconus (p < 0.05). We also demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between both pre-op and 12 months after CXL TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and Ks and Kf values (p < 0.05, r > 0); Alterations of inflammatory mediators in tear fluid after CXL link with topographic changes and may contribute to the development and progression of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Krok
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland (E.W.-C.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa Wróblewska-Czajka
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland (E.W.-C.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Olga Łach-Wojnarowicz
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland (E.W.-C.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
| | - Joanna Bronikowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (Z.P.C.)
| | - Zenon P. Czuba
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (Z.P.C.)
| | - Edward Wylęgała
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland (E.W.-C.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dobrowolski
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland (E.W.-C.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
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Lapp T, Kammrath Betancor P, Schlunck G, Auw-Hädrich C, Maier P, Lange C, Reinhard T, Wolf J. Transcriptional profiling specifies the pathogen-specific human host response to infectious keratitis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1285676. [PMID: 38274739 PMCID: PMC10808294 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1285676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal infections are a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Here we applied high-resolution transcriptomic profiling to assess the general and pathogen-specific molecular and cellular mechanisms during human corneal infection. Methods Clinical diagnoses of herpes simplex virus (HSV) (n=5) and bacterial/fungal (n=5) keratitis were confirmed by histology. Healthy corneas (n=7) and keratoconus (n=4) samples served as controls. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human corneal specimens were analyzed using the 3' RNA sequencing method Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE RNA-seq). The cellular host response was investigated using comprehensive bioinformatic deconvolution (xCell and CYBERSORTx) analyses and by integration with published single cell RNA-seq data of the human cornea. Results Our analysis identified 216 and 561 genes, that were specifically overexpressed in viral or bacterial/fungal keratitis, respectively, and allowed to distinguish the two etiologies. The virus-specific host response was driven by adaptive immunity and associated molecular signaling pathways, whereas the bacterial/fungal-specific host response mainly involved innate immunity signaling pathways and cell types. We identified several genes and pathways involved in the host response to infectious keratitis, including CXCL9, CXCR3, and MMP9 for viral, and S100A8/A9, MMP9, and the IL17 pathway for bacterial/fungal keratitis. Conclusions High-resolution molecular profiling provides new insights into the human corneal host response to viral and bacterial/fungal infection. Pathogen-specific molecular profiles may provide the foundation for novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic approaches that target inflammation-induced damage to corneal host cells with the goal to improve the outcome of infectious keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Paola Kammrath Betancor
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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15
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Tan HY, Wu YF, Wang CY, Lin SJ, Ma YH, Young TH. The cellular responses of corneal fibroblasts to cyclic stretching loads. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109696. [PMID: 37890758 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical signaling plays a crucial role in maintaining extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in various structures. In this study, we investigated the responses of corneal fibroblasts to cyclic stretching loads using an in vitro cell culture system. Bovine corneal fibroblasts were cultured and subjected to equibiaxial cyclic strain of 15% for 72 h at a frequency of 0.25 Hz, with bovine skin fibroblasts used as a comparison. We explored various cellular behaviors, including morphological changes, cell proliferation, and metabolism in response to mechanical stretching loads. The expression of genes, protein secretion, and enzymatic activity for several major metalloproteinases was also determined through Q-PCR, Western blot, and gel zymography. Additionally, we investigated the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in the corneal fibroblasts when subjected to mechanical stimuli. Our findings revealed that, compared to skin fibroblasts, corneal fibroblasts were reluctant to morphological changes in response to a prolonged (72 h) and high-amplitude (15% of strain) cyclic stretching load. However, cyclic stretching loads stimulated the upregulation of MMP-2 expression in corneal fibroblasts via the MAPK signaling pathways involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38. Together with a lack of upregulation in type I collagen expression, our results indicate the induction of the ECM degradation process in corneal fibroblasts in response to cyclic stretching. These findings emphasize the mechanoresponsive nature of corneal fibroblasts and shed light on the potential impact of intense mechanical stress on the cornea in both normal and pathological conditions such as keratoconus, providing valuable insights for understanding corneal mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yuan Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Feng Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Jan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yunn-Hwa Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Horng Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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16
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Dou S, Liu X, Shi W, Gao H. New dawn for keratoconus treatment: potential strategies for corneal stromal regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:317. [PMID: 37932824 PMCID: PMC10629149 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus is a progressive, ectatic and blinding disorder of the cornea, characterized by thinning of corneal stroma. As a highly prevalent among adolescents, keratoconus has been a leading indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. However, the severe shortage of donor corneas is a global issue, and the traditional corneal transplantation surgeries may superinduce multiple complications, necessitating efforts to develop more effective strategies for keratoconus treatment. In this review, we summarized several strategies to promote corneal stromal regeneration or improve corneal stromal thickness, including cell-based therapies, biosynthetic alternatives for inducing corneal regeneration, minimally invasive intrastromal implantation and bioengineered tissues for implantation. These strategies provided more accessible but safer alternatives from various perspectives for keratoconus treatment, paving the way for arresting the keratoconus progression in its earlier stage. For the treatments of corneal ectatic diseases beyond keratoconus, these approaches will provide important references and widen the therapy options in a donor tissue-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Gao
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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Ahsanuddin S, Wu AY. Single-cell transcriptomics of the ocular anterior segment: a comprehensive review. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3334-3350. [PMID: 37138096 PMCID: PMC10156079 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the cellular and genetic composition of ocular tissues is essential for uncovering the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Since the introduction of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in 2009, vision researchers have performed extensive single-cell analyses to better understand transcriptome complexity and heterogeneity of ocular structures. This technology has revolutionized our ability to identify rare cell populations and to make cross-species comparisons of gene expression in both steady state and disease conditions. Importantly, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have enabled the identification of cell-type specific gene markers and signalling pathways between ocular cell populations. While most scRNA-seq studies have been conducted on retinal tissues, large-scale transcriptomic atlases pertaining to the ocular anterior segment have also been constructed in the past three years. This timely review provides vision researchers with an overview of scRNA-seq experimental design, technical limitations, and clinical applications in a variety of anterior segment-related ocular pathologies. We review open-access anterior segment-related scRNA-seq datasets and illustrate how scRNA-seq can be an indispensable tool for the development of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ahsanuddin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Albert Y Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Niu X, Xu M, Zhu J, Zhang S, Yang Y. Identification of the immune-associated characteristics and predictive biomarkers of keratoconus based on single-cell RNA-sequencing and bulk RNA-sequencing. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1220646. [PMID: 37965330 PMCID: PMC10641680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1220646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Whether keratoconus (KC) is an inflammatory disease is currently debated. Hence, we aimed to investigate the immune-related features of KC based on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) data. Methods scRNA-seq data were obtained from the Genome Sequence Archive (GSA), bulk RNA-seq data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and immune-associated genes(IAGs) were obtained from the ImmPort database. Cell clusters of KC were annotated, and different cell clusters were then selected. The IAG score of each cell was calculated using the AUCell package. Three bulk RNA-seq datasets were merged and used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological functions, and immune characteristics. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to select the IAG score-related hub genes. Based on scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses, three machine learning algorithms, including random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, were used to identify potential prognostic markers for KC. A predictive nomogram was developed based on prognostic markers. Results Six cell clusters were identified in KC, and decreased corneal stromal cell-5 (CSC-5) and increased CSC-6 were found in KC. CSC and immune cell clusters had the highest IAG scores. The bulk RNA-seq analysis identified 1362 DEGs (553 upregulated and 809 downregulated) in KC. We found different immune cell populations and differentially expressed cytokines in KC. More than three key IAG score-related modules and 367 genes were identified. By integrating the scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses, 250 IAGs were selected and then incorporated into three machine learning models, and 10 IAGs (CEP112, FYN, IFITM1, IGFBP5, LPIN2, MAP1B, RNASE1, RUNX3, SMIM10, and SRGN) were identified as potential prognostic genes that were significantly associated with cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)1-14 expression. Finally, a predictive nomogram was constructed and validated. Conclusion Taken together, our results identified CSCs and immune cell clusters that may play a key role during KC progression by regulating immunological features and maintaining cell stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Niu
- Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hanyang Aier Eye Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Man Xu
- Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hanyang Aier Eye Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaowei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Li N, Liu M, Tian G, Chen T, Lin Y, Qi X, Shi W, Gao H. Effects of femtosecond laser-assisted minimally invasive lamellar keratoplasty (FL-MILK) on mild-to-moderate and advanced keratoconus. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2873-2882. [PMID: 37171602 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted minimally invasive lamellar keratoplasty (FL-MILK) for mild-to-moderate keratoconus (KC) and advanced KC. METHODS Prospective case series study. Sixty-three eyes of 56 patients with progressive KC underwent FL-MILK were divided into group 1 [mean keratometry (Kmean) ≤ 53D] and group 2 (Kmean > 53D). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), Kmean, maximum keratometry (Kmax), anterior central corneal elevation (ACE), stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1) and deformation amplitude (DA) were evaluated preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS Mean BSCVA improved from 0.34 ± 0.13 logMAR preoperatively to 0.25 ± 0.13 logMAR at 24 months postoperatively in group 1 (F = 10.10, P < .0001), and from 0.54 ± 0.31 logMAR to 0.40 ± 0.26 logMAR (F = 9.06, P = .0002) in group 2. Group 2 showed an average Kmax reduction of 10.9 D and an average Kmean reduction of 3.9 D at 24 months postoperatively (both P < .0001), whereas no significant change was observed in group 1. Average ACE decreased from 19.2 ± 10.0 to 5.2 ± 8.4 at 24 months postoperatively in group 1 (F = 28.5, P < .0001), and from 46.2 ± 16.3 to 19.1 ± 9.0 (F = 49.6, P < .0001) in group 2; SP-A1 increased from 53.8 ± 12.7 mmHg/mm to 95.9 ± 20.2 mmHg/mm in group 1 (F = 70.0, P < .0001), and from 38.6 ± 13.4 mmHg/mm to 89.3 ± 18.2 mmHg/mm (F = 96.9, P < .0001) in group 2; DA decreased from 1.30 ± 0.14 mm to 1.17 ± 0.13 mm in group 1 (F = 14.0, P < .0001), and from 1.40 ± 0.16 mm to 1.18 ± 0.10 mm (F = 27.6, P < .0001) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS FL-MILK can stabilize progressive KC in mild-to-moderate cases and advanced cases at 24-month follow-up. Steeper corneas are more likely to undergo flattening after FL-MILK. CLINICAL TRIAL Date of registration: July 16, 2017. The title of the trail: www. CLINICALTRIALS gov Trial registration number: NCT03229239. The name of the trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Mingna Liu
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Ge Tian
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xiaolin Qi
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Hua Gao
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China.
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China.
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Guo X, Bian J, Yang K, Liu X, Sun Y, Liu M, Qi X, Ren S, Dong Y, Gao H. Eye Rubbing in Chinese Patients With Keratoconus: A Multicenter Analysis. J Refract Surg 2023; 39:712-718. [PMID: 37824304 DOI: 10.3928/1081597x-20230831-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the eye rubbing habits of Chinese patients with keratoconus. METHODS This study was carried out from 2018 to June 2022 at Shandong Eye Hospital, Qingdao Eye Hospital, and Henan Eye Hospital. The study compared the number of patients who rubbed their eyes between medical records and second time questionnaires, eye rubbing of patients with myopia and patients with keratoconus, and disease severity between patients with keratoconus. A questionnaire survey of ophthalmologists was conducted to determine their degree of awareness that eye rubbing is a risk factor for keratoconus. RESULTS The study assessed 799 patients with keratoconus and 798 control patients, and 97 ophthalmologists. The average proportion of patients with keratoconus who rubbed their eyes was 31.0% in the medical records with an increasing trend related to the increase in ophthalmologists' awareness, 66.6% after the second follow-up, and 25.4% among patients with myopia. After multivariate analysis, the following variables showed significant results: eye rubbing frequency more than 10 times/day (odds ratio [OR], 9.168; P < .001); rubbing with knuckles (OR, 9.804; P = .001); and prone sleep position (OR, 12.427; P < .001). The proportion of patients who rubbed their eyes with stage IV keratoconus was 71.9%, 18.9% higher than those with stage I, 4.8% higher than stage II, and 17.8% higher than stage III. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of Chinese patients with keratoconus who rubbed their eyes was relatively high. The main reasons for the low proportions reported were lack of attention. Clinical attention should be paid to eye rubbing in patients with keratoconus who should be educated to avoid it. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(10):712-718.].
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Jiang X, Boutin T, Vitart V. Colocalization of corneal resistance factor GWAS loci with GTEx e/sQTLs highlights plausible candidate causal genes for keratoconus postnatal corneal stroma weakening. Front Genet 2023; 14:1171217. [PMID: 37621707 PMCID: PMC10445647 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1171217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for corneal resistance factor (CRF) have identified 100s of loci and proved useful to uncover genetic determinants for keratoconus, a corneal ectasia of early-adulthood onset and common indication of corneal transplantation. In the current absence of studies to probe the impact of candidate causal variants in the cornea, we aimed to fill some of this knowledge gap by leveraging tissue-shared genetic effects. Methods: 181 CRF signals were examined for evidence of colocalization with genetic signals affecting steady-state gene transcription and splicing in adult, non-eye, tissues of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. Expression of candidate causal genes thus nominated was evaluated in single cell transcriptomes from adult cornea, limbus and conjunctiva. Fine-mapping and colocalization of CRF and keratoconus GWAS signals was also deployed to support their sharing causal variants. Results and discussion: 26.5% of CRF causal signals colocalized with GTEx v8 signals and nominated genes enriched in genes with high and specific expression in corneal stromal cells amongst tissues examined. Enrichment analyses carried out with nearest genes to all 181 CRF GWAS signals indicated that stromal cells of the limbus could be susceptible to signals that did not colocalize with GTEx's. These cells might not be well represented in GTEx and/or the genetic associations might have context specific effects. The causal signals shared with GTEx provide new insights into mediation of CRF genetic effects, including modulation of splicing events. Functionally relevant roles for several implicated genes' products in providing tensile strength, mechano-sensing and signaling make the corresponding genes and regulatory variants prime candidates to be validated and their roles and effects across tissues elucidated. Colocalization of CRF and keratoconus GWAS signals strengthened support for shared causal variants but also highlighted many ways into which likely true shared signals could be missed when using readily available GWAS summary statistics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thibaud Boutin
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Veronique Vitart
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Wang YC, Zolnik OB, Yasoda S, Yeh LK, Yuan Y, Kao W, Saika S, Liu CY. Transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) deficiency in keratocytes results in corneal ectasia. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:557-565. [PMID: 37393064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that Transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) deletion in keratocyte (Tgfbr2kera-cko), the corneal stroma cell, can result in corneal thinning and generate a potential model for Cornea Ectasia (CE). METHODS Corneal thickness of Tgfbr2kera-cko and Tgfbr2Ctrl was examined with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) at post-natal (P) days 42 and 70, respectively. Histological H&E staining, transmission electron micrograph (TEM), and immunofluorescence staining (IFS) were harnessed to examine corneal cell morphology, proliferation, differentiation, and collagen fibrils. RESULTS Slit-Lamp revealed that corneas were transparent in both Tgfbr2kera-cko and Tgfbr2Ctrl, however, Tgfbr2kera-cko cornea was 33.5% and 42.9% thinner as compared with those of Tgfbr2Ctrl at P42 and P70, respectively. H&E and semithin section staining with toluidine blue-O confirmed that Tgfbr2kera-cko cornea has a thinner stroma. In contrast, the epithelium in Tgfbr2kera-cko was substantially thicker. The cell proliferation marker Ki67 expression level increased ∼9% in Tgfbr2kera-cko corneal epithelium as compared with that in Tgfbr2Ctrl, however, the Krt14 and Krt12 expression pattern was not obviously changed in Tgfbr2kera-cko corneal epithelium. It was noticed that Col1a1 expression was substantially reduced in Tgfbr2kera-cko as compared with that in Tgfbr2Ctrl. TEM showed that keratocytes were unhealthy and stromal collagen fibril density was significantly reduced in Tgfbr2kera-cko as compared with that in Tgfbr2Ctrl cornea. Moreover, mechanical eye-rubbing on Tgfbr2kera-cko resulted in corneal hydrops and edema. CONCLUSION Tgfbr2 in keratocytes is indispensable for the corneal stroma at postnatal homeostasis. The cornea phenotype manifested in these Tgfbr2kera-cko mice resembles corneal ectasia disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chiao Wang
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA; School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | | | - Shingo Yasoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Lung-Kun Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yong Yuan
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Winston Kao
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Chia-Yang Liu
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Wagner FM, Sekundo W. Iatrogenic Keratectasia after Refractive Surgery - Causes, Prophylaxis, Therapy. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:783-794. [PMID: 37348513 DOI: 10.1055/a-2073-8478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Iatrogenic keratectasia is induced thinning and protrusion of the cornea after laser refractive surgery. Known risk factors include an excessively thin postoperative residual stromal bed, a thicker flap, or preoperatively undetected evidence of preexisting subclinical keratoconus. The rate of post-refractive ectasia in eyes without identifiable preoperative risk factors is 20 per 100 000 eyes for photorefractive keratectomy, 90 per 100 000 eyes for laser in situ keratomileusis, and 11 per 100 000 eyes for small incision lenticule extraction. Traditional screening tools for preoperative risk include the ectasia risk score system and percentage of tissue alteration. More recent methods include corneal elastography and epithelial mapping, in addition to Artificial Intelligence methods for data analysis. Therapy includes contact lenses, cross-linking, implantation of intracorneal ring segments, penetrating or lamellar keratoplasty, and, in early studies, implantation of corneal lenticules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Mathias Wagner
- Universitätsaugenklinik Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
- Universitätsaugenklinik Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
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24
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Sun D, Shi WY, Dou SQ. Single-cell RNA sequencing in cornea research: Insights into limbal stem cells and their niche regulation. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:466-475. [PMID: 37342216 PMCID: PMC10277966 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells on the outer surface of the eye, which acts as a protective barrier and is critical for clear and stable vision. Its continuous renewal or wound healing depends on the proliferation and differentiation of limbal stem cells (LSCs), a cell population that resides at the limbus in a highly regulated niche. Dysfunction of LSCs or their niche can cause limbal stem cell deficiency, a disease that is manifested by failed epithelial wound healing or even blindness. Nevertheless, compared to stem cells in other tissues, little is known about the LSCs and their niche. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing, our understanding of LSC characteristics and their microenvironment has grown considerably. In this review, we summarized the current findings from single-cell studies in the field of cornea research and focused on important advancements driven by this technology, including the heterogeneity of the LSC population, novel LSC markers and regulation of the LSC niche, which will provide a reference for clinical issues such as corneal epithelial wound healing, ocular surface reconstruction and interventions for related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei-Yun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sheng-Qian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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Ren S, Yang K, Fan Q, Wang Q, Zhu M, Yin S, Gu Y, Xu L. Bioinformatics analysis of key candidate genes and pathways in Chinese patients with keratoconus. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109488. [PMID: 37116607 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a multifactorial disease in which genetic factors played important roles in its pathogenesis. The purpose of the current study was to identify the key candidate genes and pathways in Chinese patients with KC through bioinformatics analysis. Totally, we identified 71 candidate genes by analyzing the results of whole exome sequencing on 51 Chinese patients with KC, combining with previous reports on differential expression at transcription and protein levels in KC. Gene enrichment analysis with GeneCodis demonstrated that two significantly enriched terms including 21 genes in biological process (BP) were detected, and six significantly enriched terms containing 14 genes in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were discovered. The STRING was utilized to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of identified genes. The result showed that a PPI network consisted of 14 nodes with 14 edges was constructed, and two gene modules were obtained. Eight hub genes (LAMB3, LAMA3, LAMA1, ITGA6, ITGA3, COL6A3, COL6A2, and COL6A1) were identified as key candidate genes for KC by cytoHubba in Cytoscape. Functional enrichment analysis with ClueGO and CluePedia indicated that the ECM-receptor interaction was the key pathway accounted for KC. The findings might provide novel insights on the genetic basis of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Ren
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institution, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Kaili Yang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Henan University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Meng Zhu
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institution, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institution, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yuwei Gu
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Liyan Xu
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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Du R, Li D, Huang Y, Xiao H, Xue J, Ji J, Feng Y, Fan Y. Effect of mechanical stretching and substrate stiffness on the morphology, cytoskeleton and nuclear shape of corneal endothelial cells. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2022.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Yang S, Zhang J, Tan Y, Wang Y. Unraveling the mechanobiology of cornea: From bench side to the clinic. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:953590. [PMID: 36263359 PMCID: PMC9573972 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.953590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a transparent, dome-shaped structure on the front part of the eye that serves as a major optic element and a protector from the external environment. Recent evidence shows aberrant alterations of the corneal mechano-environment in development and progression of various corneal diseases. It is, thus, critical to understand how corneal cells sense and respond to mechanical signals in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the corneal mechano-environment and discuss the impact of these mechanical cues on cellular functions from the bench side (in a laboratory research setting). From a clinical perspective, we comprehensively review the mechanical changes of corneal tissue in several cornea-related diseases, including keratoconus, myopia, and keratectasia, following refractive surgery. The findings from the bench side and clinic underscore the involvement of mechanical cues in corneal disorders, which may open a new avenue for development of novel therapeutic strategies by targeting corneal mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People’s Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Youhua Tan
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Youhua Tan, ; Yan Wang,
| | - Yan Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Youhua Tan, ; Yan Wang,
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