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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Gene Expression Profiling of Infecting Microbes Using a Digital Bar-coding Platform
Published on: January 13, 2016
Transcriptome Analysis of the Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Fungal Keratitis in Mice Based on RNA-Seq
Qing Zhang1, Jian Zhang1, Mengting Gong1
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Purpose:
Fungal keratitis (FK) is an eye disease that can lead to blindness and has a high incidence worldwide. At present, there is no effective treatment for this disease. There are innate immune response mechanisms that protect against fungal infections. One example is C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), which can identify fungal invaders and trigger signal transduction pathways and cellular responses to eliminate pathogens. However, previous studies have focused mostly on single-receptor factors, and a systematic analysis of the genetic factors underlying the pathogenesis of FK has not been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of FK in terms of genomics and to further elucidate its pathogenesis.
Methods:
We performed a transcriptome analysis of a mouse model of FK using RNA sequencing to obtain the relevant gene expression profiles and to identify differentially expressed genes, signaling pathways, and regulatory networks of the key genetic factors in the pathogenesis of murine FK.
Results:
Several genes that are significantly associated with FK and serve as markers of FK, such as the inflammatory cytokine genes IL1B, IL6, IL10, IL23, and TNF, were identified. The mRNA and protein expression patterns of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the corneas of mice with FK were validated by quantitative RT-PCR and Luminex multiplex assay technology. The Wnt, cGMP-PKG, and Hippo signaling pathways were significantly enriched during fungal infection of mouse corneas.
Conclusions:
Our study may help to elucidate the mechanisms of FK pathogenesis and to identify additional candidate drug targets for the treatment of FK.
Insights
This study identified key genes and pathways involved in fungal keratitis (FK) pathogenesis. Findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of this blinding eye disease, potentially revealing novel therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Fungal keratitis (FK) is a globally prevalent eye infection leading to blindness with no effective treatments.
- Innate immunity, involving C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), combats fungal invaders.
- Previous research has not systematically analyzed genetic factors in FK pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying fungal keratitis (FK).
- To identify key genetic factors and pathways involved in FK pathogenesis.
- To elucidate the pathogenesis of this blinding eye disease.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing in a mouse model of FK.
- Identification of differentially expressed genes, signaling pathways, and regulatory networks.
- Validation of key gene and protein expression using quantitative RT-PCR and Luminex assay.
Main Results:
- Identified significant FK-associated genes, including inflammatory cytokine genes IL1B, IL6, IL10, IL23, and TNF.
- Validated elevated mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in infected corneas.
- Found significant enrichment of Wnt, cGMP-PKG, and Hippo signaling pathways in fungal keratitis.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a deeper understanding of FK pathogenesis.
- Identified key molecular players and pathways in fungal keratitis.
- Offers potential new therapeutic targets for treating fungal keratitis.
