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Updated: Jun 2, 2025

Promoter Capture Hi-C: High-resolution, Genome-wide Profiling of Promoter Interactions
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Cohesin Complex Interacting with Promoters of MMP Genes for in Pterygium Occurrence

Shichao Han1, Wei Zhu1, Qianqian Guo1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Zibo Center Hospital, Zibo, China.

Current Eye Research
|January 17, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers uncovered a new epigenetic mechanism in pterygium, a common eye condition. This involves the cohesin complex regulating matrix metalloproteinase gene expression, potentially explaining pterygium's recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Pterygium is a prevalent ocular surface disease with a high recurrence rate.
  • The exact causes of pterygium remain largely unknown.
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in tissue remodeling and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene expression in pterygium.
  • To identify regulatory mechanisms controlling MMP transcription in pterygium tissue.

Main Methods:

  • RNA sequencing, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze MMP gene expression.
  • The MEME tool identified conserved DNA motifs in MMP gene promoters.
  • Cohesin complex interactions and the effect of its disruption on MMP gene expression were studied using RNA interference and mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • Upregulation of multiple matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, MMP9, MMP11, MMP12, MMP13, MMP23B, MMP28) was observed in pterygium tissue.
  • A conserved DNA motif interacting with the cohesin complex was identified in MMP gene promoters.
  • Disrupting the cohesin complex reduced MMP gene expression and the recruitment of transcription factors (TWIST1, TCF4) to MMP promoters.

Conclusions:

  • A novel epigenetic mechanism involving the cohesin complex regulates MMP gene transcription in pterygium.
  • This finding provides new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of pterygium.
  • Targeting this epigenetic pathway may offer therapeutic strategies for pterygium.
Keywords:
DNA motifMMPPterygiumcohesintranscription

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