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Inducement and Evaluation of a Murine Model of Experimental Myopia
Published on: January 22, 2019
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Circadian rhythm disruption induces myopia in mice
Wei-Ling Bai1, Mei-Jun Wang1, Jia-He Gan2
1Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
Experimental Eye Research
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) induces myopia in mice by altering refraction and axial length. RNA sequencing suggests neurotransmitter signaling pathways are involved in CRD-mediated myopia development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Emerging evidence links circadian rhythm to myopia.
- Retinal clock gene Bmal1 knockout in mice induces myopia.
- Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is a potential factor in myopia development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the relationship between CRD and myopia.
- To investigate mechanisms of CRD-mediated myopia development.
Main Methods:
- Three-week-old C57BL/6J mice were subjected to normal (12L/12D) or CRD (Chronic Jet Lag or Irregular light cycles) conditions.
- Refraction and axial length were measured.
- RNA sequencing was performed to analyze pathogenic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- CRD significantly shifted refraction towards myopia in mice.
- CRD increased axial length in mice.
- RNA sequencing revealed enrichment of genes in neurotransmitter signaling pathways (GABAergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic synapses).
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythm disruption can induce myopia in mice.
- Neurotransmitter signaling pathways are implicated in CRD-induced myopia.
