Sexual Dimorphism Is Associated With Corneal Nerve and Epithelial Alterations and Tear-Film Defects in Pax6 Haploinsufficiency Mouse Model

Authors
Marjolaine Willems, Mélissa Girard, Nadège Feret, Dylan Touchet, Jérôme Vialaret, Jana Kindermans, Laura Fichter, Christophe Hirtz, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Vincent Daien, Cécile Delettre, Marie Pequignot, Frederic Michon


Lab

Journal
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Abstract
Results:Pax6+/−mice showed heterogeneous ocular phenotypes, delayed eyelid opening, reduced KRT12, persistent central KRT14 expansion, and a sustained deficit in central proliferation. Immune infiltration was elevated from eyelid opening onward. Corneal nerves were markedly reduced and disorganized, with decreased sensitivity despite minimal trigeminal transcriptional changes. Transcriptomics revealed sex-specific gene-expression patterns converging on inflammation and extracellular-matrix remodeling. After abrasion, closure rates were preserved, butPax6+/−corneas failed to fully restore normal epithelial identity, territorial patterning, or nerve density. Tear secretion was impaired in a sex-dependent manner, and proteomics showed depletion of structural and antioxidant proteins with exaggerated inflammatory and keratinization responses after injury.

Keywords/Topics
pax6 mice; central proliferation; immune infiltration; inflammation and extracellular-matrix remodeling; closure rates; sexual dimorphism; heterogeneous ocular phenotypes; eyelid opening; krt12; persistent central krt14 expansion

Source :

https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2811854

Related products

Von Frey Filaments

Publication request

Thank you for your interest in our product range and your request for this publication, which will be sent to you if the research team and the journal allow it. Our commercial team will contact you as soon as possible.