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Whole transcriptome analysis on blue light-induced eye damage
Xin-Li Ouyang1, Bo-Yu Chen2, Yong-Fang Xie1
1Key Laboratory of Biological Medicines in Universities of Shandong Province, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong Province, China.
Aim:
To analyze abnormal gene expressions of mice eyes exposed to blue light using RNA-seq and analyze the related signaling pathways.
Methods:
Kunming mice were divided into an experimental group that was exposed to blue light and a control group that was exposed to natural light. After 14d, the mice were euthanized and their eyeballs were collected. Whole transcriptome analysis was attempted to analyze the gene expression of the eyeballs using RNA-seq to reconstruct genetic networks. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to reveal the related signaling pathways.
Results:
The 737 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 430 up and 307 down regulated genes, by calculating the gene FPKM in each sample and conducting differential gene analysis. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that blue light damage may associated with the visual perception, sensory perception of light stimulus, phototransduction, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Differential lncRNA, circRNA and miRNA analysis showed that blue light exposure affected pathways for retinal cone cell development and phototransduction, among others.
Conclusion:
Exposure to blue light can cause a certain degree of abnormal gene expression and modulate signaling pathways in the eye.
Insights
Blue light exposure causes abnormal gene expression in mouse eyes, affecting visual perception and phototransduction pathways. This study utilized RNA-sequencing to identify key genetic changes and signaling networks impacted by light.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Blue light exposure is increasingly prevalent due to electronic devices.
- Potential ocular damage from blue light necessitates understanding its molecular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of blue light on gene expression in mouse eyes.
- To identify specific signaling pathways affected by blue light exposure using RNA-sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Kunming mice were exposed to blue light (experimental) or natural light (control) for 14 days.
- Whole transcriptome analysis using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on collected eyeballs.
- Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed to identify signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- 737 differentially expressed genes were identified (430 upregulated, 307 downregulated).
- Blue light damage was associated with visual perception, sensory perception of light stimulus, phototransduction, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways.
- Analysis revealed alterations in pathways related to retinal cone cell development and phototransduction.
Conclusions:
- Blue light exposure induces abnormal gene expression in the eye.
- Specific signaling pathways involved in visual function are modulated by blue light.
