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Jiang H, Liu M, Yang W, Hong YK, Xu D, Nalbant EK, Clutter ED, Foroozandeh P, Kaplan N, Wysocki J, Batlle D, Miller SD, Lu K, Peng H. Activation of limbal epithelial proliferation is partly controlled by the ACE2-LCN2 pathway. iScience 2024; 27:110534. [PMID: 39175771 PMCID: PMC11338997 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to corneal injury, an activation of corneal epithelial stem cells and their direct progeny the early transit amplifying (eTA) cells to rapidly proliferate is critical for proper re-epithelialization. Thus, it is important to understand how such stem/eTA cell activation is regulated. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is predominantly expressed in the stem/eTA-enriched limbal epithelium but its role in the limbal epithelium was unclear. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) suggested that Ace2 involved the proliferation of the stem/eTA cells. Ace2 was reduced following corneal injury. Such reduction enhanced limbal epithelial proliferation and downregulated LCN2, a negative regulator of proliferation in a variety of tissues, via upregulating TGFA and consequently activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Inhibition of EGFR or overexpression of LCN2 reversed the increased proliferation in limbal epithelial cells lacking ACE2. Our findings demonstrate that after corneal injury, ACE2 is downregulated, which activates limbal epithelial cell proliferation via a TGFA/EGFR/LCN2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Jiang
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Min Liu
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Wending Yang
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yi-Kai Hong
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dan Xu
- Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elif Kayaalp Nalbant
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elwin D. Clutter
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Parisa Foroozandeh
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nihal Kaplan
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jan Wysocki
- Medicine (Nephrology and Hypertension), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Daniel Batlle
- Medicine (Nephrology and Hypertension), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Stephen D. Miller
- Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kurt Lu
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Han Peng
- Departments of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Wang D, Wu Y, Liu Y, Ji Q, Luo Y, Yan J. Dysregulated MiR-223-5p Modulates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:947-961. [PMID: 38814140 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2359531] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to evaluate the miR-223-5p expression in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine its role in the pathogenesis of SCI. METHODS The serum miR-223-5p levels were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic accuracy of miR-223-5p was evaluated using the receiving operating characteristic curves. LPS-induced PC12 cells were established as an in vitro inflammatory cell model. Cell apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were examined. The SCI rat model was constructed to evaluate the effects of miR-223-5p on inflammatory response and motor function in rats. RESULTS MiR-223-5p expression was upregulated in SCI patients. MiR-223-5p expression in the complete SCI group was significantly higher than that in incomplete SCI group. ROC analysis showed that miR-223-5p can distinguish SCI patients from healthy volunteers. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LPS upregulated apoptosis and inflammation in PC12 cells. Treatment with miR-223-5p inhibitor alleviated the changes in LPS-induced PC12 cells . Inhibition of miR-223-5p can alleviate the activation of inflammatory response and the effects of SCI on the motor function in rats. CONCLUSIONS MiR-223-5p is a potential diagnostic marker for SCI, and it can promote the SCI progression by regulating nerve cell survival, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiakou First Hospital, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Yingshuang Wu
- Department of Paediatrics, Zhangjiakou First Hospital, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Yongxiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghui Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiakou First Hospital, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Jinglong Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Li Y, Wang S, Dong Y, Jin X, Wang J, Zhang H. Tetrahedral DNA-Based Functional MicroRNA-21 Delivery System: Application to Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304381. [PMID: 38549217 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304381] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Corneal injury occurs frequently which may lead to serious visual impairment. Rapid and efficient re-epithelialization after corneal epithelial injury is the key issue for maintaining corneal homeostasis. Among various treatment strategies, microRNA (miR)-based therapy shows great potential. However, structural limitations of miRNAs hinder its biomedical functionality. Nucleic acid nanotechnology is an appealing candidate for gene delivery because of its flexible modification and excellent biocompatibility. Herein, modified 3D tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) utilized as gene carriers for miR-21 delivery are constructed. TFNAs-miR-21 (T-21) shows great enzymatic resistance in extracellular environment and payload delivery into human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. T-21 facilitates proliferation and migration in HCECs via activating PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in vitro. In vivo studies, T-21 can be internalized by corneal epithelium in mice. In the mice corneal scratch model, T-21 ophthalmic solutions used as eye drops show no apparent side effects on the ocular surface histologically and exert great potential in accelerating corneal wound healing. These findings demonstrate that modified tFNAs are promising candidates for miRNA delivery for corneal wound healing. The convenient administration and great biocompatibility of tetrahedral DNA nanoparticles highlight its potential as gene transporter in solving ocular problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Heilongjiang Province, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Heilongjiang Province, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Yueyan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Heilongjiang Province, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Heilongjiang Province, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Jingrao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Heilongjiang Province, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Heilongjiang Province, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
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Liao D, Wei S, Hu J. Inhibition of miR-542-3p augments autophagy to promote diabetic corneal wound healing. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38167306 PMCID: PMC10763460 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-023-00370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy has recently been shown to be critical for protecting peripheral nerve regeneration. This study explored the impact of miR-542-3p on diabetic corneal nerve regeneration and epithelial healing through the regulation of autophagy. METHODS A type 1 diabetes model was established in male mice through streptozotocin administration. Immunofluorescence staining of β-Tubulin III and sodium fluorescein staining were performed to observe corneal nerve fiber density and corneal epithelial healing, respectively. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine autophagy levels. Subconjunctival injection of RAPA and 3-MA altered autophagy levels; with them, we evaluated the role of autophagy in diabetic keratopathy. miRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify miRNA-mRNA networks with potential autophagy-regulating roles, and miR-542-3p was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). miR-542-3p antagomir was injected subconjunctivally to assess the role in diabetic corneal neuropathy. RESULTS Our data suggest that autophagy is suppressed in the diabetic corneal nerve and that activation of autophagy promotes diabetic corneal wound healing. We identified a potential autophagy-regulating miRNA-mRNA network in the diabetic trigeminal ganglion, in which miR-542-3p expression was significantly upregulated. Inhibition of miR-542-3p significantly enhanced the level of autophagy in trigeminal ganglion by upregulating ATG4D expression, thereby accelerating diabetic corneal nerve regeneration and epithelial healing. CONCLUSIONS Dysregulated autophagy is an important contributor to delayed diabetic corneal injury healing. Inhibiting miR-542-3p promotes diabetic corneal nerve regeneration and epithelial healing through autophagy activation by ATG4D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danling Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Shijia Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Jianzhang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
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Wei S, Liao D, Hu J. Inhibition of miR-144-3p/FOXO1 Attenuates Diabetic Keratopathy Via Modulating Autophagy and Apoptosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:1. [PMID: 38165707 PMCID: PMC10768711 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.1] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diabetic keratopathy (DK) is a vision-threatening disease that occurs in people with diabetes. Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are indispensable in nerve regeneration within DK. Herein, the role of miRNAs associated with DK, especially focusing on autophagy and apoptosis regulation, was investigated. Methods To identify differentially expressed miRNAs, we performed miRNA sequencing on trigeminal ganglion (TG) tissues derived from streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mellitus (T1DM) and normal mice. MiR-144-3p was chosen for the subsequent experiments. To explore the regulatory role of miR-144-3p in DK, miRNA antagomir was utilized to inhibit miR-144-3p expression. Bioinformatic tools were used to predict the target genes of miR-144-3p, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay was then applied for validation. Autophagy and apoptosis activities were measured utilizing TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting. Results Overall, 56 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in diabetic versus control mice. In the diabetic mouse TG tissue, miR-144-3p expression was aberrantly enhanced, whereas decreasing its expression contributed to improved diabetic corneal re-epithelialization and nerve regeneration. Fork-head Box O1 (FOXO1) was validated as a target gene of miR-144-3p. Overexpression of FOXO1 could prevent both inadequate autophagy and excessive apoptosis in DK. Consistently, a specific miR-144-3p inhibition enhanced autophagy and prevented apoptosis in DK. Conclusions In this study, our research confirmed the target binding relationship between miR-144-3p and FOXO1. Inhibiting miR-144-3p might modulate autophagy and apoptosis, which could generate positive outcomes for corneal nerves via targeting FOXO1 in DK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijia Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Danling Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianzhang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Li X, Lv D, Xie J, Ye X, Xia C, Liu D. Screening and analysis of differentially expressed circRNAs and miRNAs in chronic diabetic extremity wounds. Front Surg 2022; 9:1007312. [PMID: 36439541 PMCID: PMC9684199 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1007312] [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: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to the development of endocrine and metabolic diseases. However, there are few reports on the expression of circRNAs and miRNAs and their related co-expression and the expression of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in diabetic chronic refractory wounds. In this study, we compared the differential expression of circRNAs and miRNAs in diabetes chronic refractory wounds and normal skin tissues by high-throughput gene sequencing, and screened the differentially expressed circRNAs and miRNAs. Five abnormally expressed circRNAs and seven abnormally expressed miRNAs were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction PCR (RT-qPCR)to verify the results of RNA sequencing. We applied gene ontology (GO) to enrich and analyze dysregulated genes and elucidated their main functions via the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis (KEGG). We constructed coding noncoding gene co-expression networks and ceRNA networks based on significantly abnormally expressed genes. According to the results of coding noncoding gene co-expression network analysis, hsa_circRNA_104175, hsa_circRNA_ 001588, hsa_circRNA_104330, hsa_circRNA_ 100141, hsa_circRNA_103107, and hsa_ circRNA_102044 may be involved in the regulation of the chronic intractable wound healing process in diabetes mellitus. This is particularly true in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle contraction-related pathways and the actin cytoskeleton, which affect the healing of chronic intractable wounds in diabetes. MiR-223-5p, miR-514a-3p, miR-205-5p, and miR-203-3p, which each have a targeting relationship with the above circRNAs, regulate the metabolism of nitrogen compounds in wound tissue by regulating NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, signaling pathways regulating the pluripotency of stem cells, microRNAs in cancer, and ECM-receptor interaction. This study showed circRNAs, miRNAs, and their network are associated with the development of chronic intractable wounds in diabetes, and our research identified the goals for new molecular biomarkers and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Li
- Medical Center of Burn plastic and wound repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Burns, Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dan Lv
- Medical Center of Burn plastic and wound repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiangfan Xie
- Department of Burns, Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Ye
- Department of Burns, Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengde Xia
- Department of Burns, Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- Medical Center of Burn plastic and wound repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Zhou T, Lee A, Lo ACY, Kwok JSWJ. Diabetic Corneal Neuropathy: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:816062. [PMID: 35281903 PMCID: PMC8905431 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.816062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global public health problem that can cause complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. Besides the reporting of reduction in corneal nerve density and decrease in corneal sensitivity in diabetic patients, there may be a subsequent result in delayed corneal wound healing and increased corneal infections. Despite being a potential cause of blindness, these corneal nerve changes have not gained enough attention. It has been proposed that corneal nerve changes may be an indicator for diabetic neuropathy, which can provide a window for early diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the authors aimed to give an overview of the relationship between corneal nerves and diabetic neuropathy as well as the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of corneal nerve fiber changes caused by DM for improved prediction and prevention of diabetic neuropathy. In addition, the authors summarized current and novel therapeutic methods for delayed corneal wound healing, nerve protection and regeneration in the diabetic cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Allie Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jeremy Sze Wai John Kwok
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhou Q, Yang L, Wang Q, Li Y, Wei C, Xie L. Mechanistic investigations of diabetic ocular surface diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1079541. [PMID: 36589805 PMCID: PMC9800783 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1079541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus over recent decades, more patients suffered from various diabetic complications, including diabetic ocular surface diseases that may seriously affect the quality of life and even vision sight. The major diabetic ocular surface diseases include diabetic keratopathy and dry eye. Diabetic keratopathy is characterized with the delayed corneal epithelial wound healing, reduced corneal nerve density, decreased corneal sensation and feeling of burning or dryness. Diabetic dry eye is manifested as the reduction of tear secretion accompanied with the ocular discomfort. The early clinical symptoms include dry eye and corneal nerve degeneration, suggesting the early diagnosis should be focused on the examination of confocal microscopy and dry eye symptoms. The pathogenesis of diabetic keratopathy involves the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products, impaired neurotrophic innervations and limbal stem cell function, and dysregulated growth factor signaling, and inflammation alterations. Diabetic dry eye may be associated with the abnormal mitochondrial metabolism of lacrimal gland caused by the overactivation of sympathetic nervous system. Considering the important roles of the dense innervations in the homeostatic maintenance of cornea and lacrimal gland, further studies on the neuroepithelial and neuroimmune interactions will reveal the predominant pathogenic mechanisms and develop the targeting intervention strategies of diabetic ocular surface complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Lixin Xie,
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