Autophagy in the normal and diseased cornea. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dias-Teixeira, Karina Luiza; Sharifian Gh., Mohammad; Romano, Jeff; Norouzi, Fatemeh; Laurie, Gordon W.
• Is Part Of: Experimental eye research. Volume 225(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Autophagy -- Eye -- Cornea -- Homeostasis -- Disease; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Periodicals; Œil -- Périodiques; Ophthalmology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 612.8405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-4835

Abstract

Abstract: The cornea and covering tear film are together the 'objective lens' of the eye through which 80% of light is refracted. Despite exposure to a physically harsh and at times infectious or toxic environment, transparency essential for sight is in most cases maintained. Such resiliency makes the avascular cornea a superb model for the exploration of autophagy in the regulation of homeostasis with relevancy to all organs. Nonetheless, missense mutations and inflammation respectively clog or apparently overwhelm autophagic flux to create dystrophies much like in neurodegenerative diseases or further exacerbate inflammation. Here there is opportunity to generate novel topical therapies towards the restoration of homeostasis with potential broad application. Highlights: Macroautophagic mechanisms are powerful guardians of corneal homeostasis. Regeneration of the corneal epithelium is regulated by the microRNA-103/107 . Dry eye is the most common eye disease affecting 3–8% of the world's population. Corneal dystrophies prevail when macroautophagic machinery is overwhelmed. Opportunity to generate novel topical therapies to restore homeostasis.