Gene expression profile of extraocular muscles following resection strabismus surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Strabismus surgery involves muscle resection, but the underlying biological responses in extraocular muscles (EOMs) are not fully understood.
• Understanding gene expression changes post-surgery is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key biological processes and gene expression changes in rabbit EOMs following resection surgery.
• To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in muscle adaptation and repair after strabismus surgery.

Main Methods:

• Resection surgery was performed on rabbit superior rectus EOMs, with samples collected at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-operation.
• RNA-sequencing and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze gene and protein expression changes.
• Gene Ontology and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tools were employed for pathway and network analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant number of differentially expressed genes were identified at all time points, peaking at 1 week post-surgery.
• Enriched gene sets indicated involvement in metabolism, immune response regulation, cell cycle, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
• Protein analysis confirmed gene expression changes, and Tenascin-C staining revealed the formation of new tendon and myotendinous junctions.

Conclusions:

• Resection surgery triggers complex biological responses in EOMs, including metabolic shifts, immune modulation, and significant tissue remodeling.
• The observed changes at both gene and protein levels provide novel insights into the EOMs' response to surgical intervention.
• These findings may guide the development of future strategies to optimize strabismus surgery outcomes.