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Gupta M, Arya S, Agrawal P, Gupta H, Sikka R. Unravelling the molecular tapestry of pterygium: insights into genes for diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03186-y. [PMID: 38907016 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pterygium, an ocular surface disorder, manifests as a wing-shaped extension from the corneoscleral limbus onto the cornea, impacting vision and causing inflammation. With a global prevalence of 12%, varying by region, the condition is linked to UV exposure, age, gender, and socioeconomic factors. This review focuses on key genes associated with pterygium, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP2 and MMP9, contribute to ECM remodelling and angiogenesis in pterygium. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and is elevated in pterygium tissues. B-cell lymphoma-2, S100 proteins, DNA repair genes (hOGG1, XRCC1), CYP monooxygenases, p53, and p16 are implicated in pterygium development. A protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted 28 edges between the aforementioned proteins, except for VEGF, indicating a high level of interaction. Gene ontology, microRNA and pathway analyses revealed the involvement of processes such as base excision repair, IL-17 and p53 signalling, ECM disassembly, oxidative stress, hypoxia, metallopeptidase activity and others that are essential for pterygium development. In addition, miR-29, miR-125, miR-126, miR-143, miR-200, miR-429, and miR-451a microRNAs were predicted, which were shown to have a role in pterygium development and disease severity. Identification of these molecular mechanisms provides insights for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shubhang Arya
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ruhi Sikka
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Ding P, Wang R, He Y. Risk factors for pterygium: Latest research progress on major pathogenesis. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109900. [PMID: 38636803 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109900] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
A pterygium is a wedge-shaped fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva membrane that extends onto the cornea, which is the outer layer of the eye. It is also known as surfer's eye. Growth of a pterygium can also occur on the either side of the eye, attaching firmly to the sclera. Pterygia are one of the world's most common ocular diseases. However, the pathogenesis remains unsolved to date. As the pathogenesis of pterygium is closely related to finding the ideal treatment, a clear understanding of the pathogenesis will lead to better treatment and lower the recurrence rate, which is notably high and more difficult to treat than a primary pterygium. Massive studies have recently been conducted to determine the exact causes and mechanism of pterygia. We evaluated the pathogenetic factors ultraviolet radiation, viral infection, tumor suppressor genes p53, growth factors, oxidative stress, apoptosis and neuropeptides in the progression of the disease. The heightened expression of TRPV1 suggests its potential contribution in the occurrence of pterygium, promoting its inflammation and modulating sensory responses in ocular tissues. Subsequently, the developmental mechanism of pterygium, along with its correlation with dry eye disease is proposed to facilitate the identification of pathogenetic factors for pterygia, contributing to the advancement of understanding in this area and may lead to improved surgical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiqi Ding
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ruiqing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China.
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Yıldırım H, Turan G, Turan M. Expression of CD44, PCNA and E-cadherin in pterygium tissues. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S501-S504. [PMID: 38648458 PMCID: PMC467005 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2579_23] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease defined by fibrovascular conjunctival growth extending onto the cornea. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of CD44, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and E-cadherin in pterygium formation and recurrence. METHODS Sixty patients with pterygium participated in the study, and we collected conjunctival samples from 30 patients to form a control group. CD44, PCNA, and E-cadherin expressions in surgically excised pterygium were compared with tissue samples from the control group. RESULTS We observed that the percentages of CD44 and PCNA were statistically higher in the primary pterygium group and recurrent pterygium group than in the control group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, E-cadherin values were statistically higher in the control group than in the primary and recurrent pterygium groups (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Cell proliferation and cell adhesion factors may play important roles in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humeyra Yıldırım
- Department of Ophthalmology, Balıkesir University, Faculty of Medicine, Balıkesir, Türkiye
| | - Gulay Turan
- Department of Pathology, Balıkesir University, Faculty of Medicine, Balıkesir, Türkiye
| | - Meydan Turan
- Balikesir Ataturk Cıty Hospital, Ophthalmology, Balikesir, Türkiye
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Zhang X, Han P, Qiu J, Huang F, Luo Q, Cheng J, Shan K, Yang Y, Zhang C. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the complex cellular niche of pterygium. Ocul Surf 2024; 32:91-103. [PMID: 38290663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.01.013] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pterygium is a vision-threatening conjunctival fibrovascular degenerated disease with a high global prevalence up to 12 %, while no absolute pharmacotherapy has been applied in clinics. In virtue of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technique, our study investigated underlying pathogeneses and potential therapeutic targets of pterygium from the cellular transcriptional level. METHODS A total of 45605 cells from pterygium of patients and conjunctiva of normal controls (NC) were conducted with scRNA-seq, and then analyzed via integrated analysis, pathway enrichment, pseudotime trajectory, and cell-cell communications. Besides, immunofluorescence and western blot were performed in vivo and in vitro to verify our findings. RESULTS In brief, 9 major cellular types were defined, according to canonical markers. Subsequently, we further determined the subgroups of each major cell lineages. Several newly identified cell sub-clusters could promote pterygium, including immuno-fibroblasts, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-epithelial cells, and activated vascular endothelial cells (activated-vEndo). Besides, we also probed the enrichment of immune cells in pterygium. Particularly, macrophages, recruited by ACKR1+activated-vEndo, might play an important role in the development of pterygium by promoting angiogenesis, immune suppression, and inflammation. CONCLUSION An intricate cellular niche was revealed in pterygium via scRNA-seq analysis and the interactions between macrophages and ACKR1+ activated-vEndo might be the key part in the development of pterygia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Peizhen Han
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jini Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Feifei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Qiting Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Jingyi Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Kun Shan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
| | - Yujing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
| | - Chaoran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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Zhang W, He Y, Zhang Y. CircRNA in ocular neovascular diseases: Fundamental mechanism and clinical potential. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106946. [PMID: 37797661 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Ocular neovascular disease (OND), characterized by the aberrant formation of immature blood vessels, is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. It is important to find effective ways to diagnose and treat these diseases. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a group of endogenous non-coding RNA that play a crucial role in regulating different biological processes. Due to their close association with ocular disease and angiogenesis, circRNAs have become a hotspot in OND research. In this review, we intensively investigate the possibility of using circRNAs in the management of ONDs. In general, angiogenesis is divided into five phases. On the basis of these five steps, we describe the potential of using circRNAs by introducing how they regulate angiogenesis. Subsequently, the interactions between circRNAs and ONDs, including pterygium, corneal neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity, are analyzed in detail. We also introduce the potential use of circRNAs as OND diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we summarize the prospects of using circRNAs as a potential strategy in OND management. The gaps in recent research are also pointed out with the purpose of promoting the introduction of circRNAs into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
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Posarelli M, Romano D, Tucci D, Giannaccare G, Scorcia V, Taloni A, Pagano L, Borgia A. Ocular-Surface Regeneration Therapies for Eye Disorders: The State of the Art. BIOTECH 2023; 12:48. [PMID: 37366796 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface is a complex structure that includes cornea, conjunctiva, limbus, and tear film, and is critical for maintaining visual function. When the ocular-surface integrity is altered by a disease, conventional therapies usually rely on topical drops or tissue replacement with more invasive procedures, such as corneal transplants. However, in the last years, regeneration therapies have emerged as a promising approach to repair the damaged ocular surface by stimulating cell proliferation and restoring the eye homeostasis and function. This article reviews the different strategies employed in ocular-surface regeneration, including cell-based therapies, growth-factor-based therapies, and tissue-engineering approaches. Dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy diseases can be treated with nerve-growth factors to stimulate the limbal stem-cell proliferation and the corneal nerve regeneration, whereas conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane are used in subjects with corneal limbus dysfunction, such as limbal stem-cell deficiency or pterygium. Further, new therapies are available for patients with corneal endothelium diseases to promote the expansion and migration of cells without the need of corneal keratoplasty. Finally, gene therapy is a promising new frontier of regeneration medicine that can modify the gene expression and, potentially, restore the corneal transparency by reducing fibrosis and neovascularization, as well as by stimulating stem-cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Posarelli
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Eye Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Davide Tucci
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Taloni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Pagano
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
| | - Alfredo Borgia
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
- Eye Unit, Humanitas-Gradenigo Hospital, 10153 Turin, Italy
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