Genome-wide analysis of gene regulatory networks in chickens reveals dynamic temporal changes in retinal signaling cascade underlying compensation to lens-imposed optical defocus [1d]

ABSTRACT: During postnatal development, the optical geometry of the eye is refined through a process called emmetropization. During eye emmetropization, positive optical defocus inhibits eye growth whereas negative optical defocus accelerates it. Increased exposure to negative optical defocus leads to the development of myopia. Although several studies investigated gene regulatory networks underlying retinal response to optical defocus, temporal changes that occur during ocular response to optical defocus are poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the retinal gene regulatory networks underlying optical-defocus-induced myopia using massive parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in chickens exposed to negative optical defocus for 1, 3 and 6 days. Our analysis revealed large-scale dynamic temporal changes in the retinal signaling pathways involved in the eye’s response to negative optical defocus. We found that different sets of pathways and biological functions were involved in the early, sustained and delayed response to optical defocus causing myopia. These data refine signaling pathways that can be targeted for myopia control and provide a framework for the development of new treatment options for myopia.

ORGANISM(S): Gallus gallus

PROVIDER: GSE203555 | GEO | 2025/05/19

REPOSITORIES: GEO