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Updated: May 8, 2026
Inducement and Evaluation of a Murine Model of Experimental Myopia
Published on: January 22, 2019
Increased expression of CCN2 in the red flashing light-induced myopia in guinea pigs
Hong Wang1, Kang Zhuang, Lei Gao
1Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China. deltabiotechsd@126.com
Abstract:
Visual environment plays an important role in the occurrence of myopia. We previously showed that the different flashing lights could result in distinct effects on the ocular growth and development of myopia. CCN2 has been reported to regulate various cellular functions and biological processes. However, whether CCN2 signaling was involved in the red flashing light-induced myopia still remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the red flashing lights exposure on the refraction and axial length of the eyes in vivo and then evaluated their effects on the expression of CCN2 and TGF- β in sclera tissues. Our data showed that the eyes exposed to the red flashing light became more myopic with a significant increase of the axial length and decrease of the refraction. Both CCN2 and TGF- β , as well as p38 MAPK and PI3K, were highly expressed in the sclera tissues exposed to the red flashing light. Both CCN2 and TGF- β were found to have the same gene expression profile in vivo. In conclusion, our findings found that CCN2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the red flashing light-induced myopia in vivo. Moreover, our study establishes a useful animal model for experimental myopia research.
Insights
Red flashing light exposure induces myopia in animal models by increasing axial length. This is linked to the CCN2 signaling pathway, suggesting its role in myopia development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Visual environment significantly influences myopia development.
- Previous research indicated distinct effects of flashing lights on ocular growth.
- The role of CCN2 in red flashing light-induced myopia was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of red flashing light exposure on refractive error and axial length in vivo.
- To evaluate the effect of red flashing light on the expression of CCN2 and TGF-β in sclera tissues.
- To determine the involvement of the CCN2 signaling pathway in red flashing light-induced myopia.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of animal models to red flashing light.
- Measurement of ocular refraction and axial length.
- Assessment of CCN2, TGF-β, p38 MAPK, and PI3K expression in sclera tissues using molecular techniques.
Main Results:
- Red flashing light exposure led to increased myopia, characterized by significant axial length elongation and decreased refraction.
- Elevated expression of CCN2 and TGF-β was observed in sclera tissues following red flashing light exposure.
- CCN2 and TGF-β exhibited similar gene expression profiles in vivo, alongside increased p38 MAPK and PI3K expression.
Conclusions:
- The CCN2 signaling pathway is implicated in the development of myopia induced by red flashing light exposure in vivo.
- This study provides a valuable animal model for further experimental research into myopia.
- Findings highlight the potential role of CCN2 in myopia pathogenesis.
