đź“„ Epigenetic Modulation After LASIK and SMILE
Life | 2025 (Epigenetic Modulation Directs Recovery Post LASIK and SMILE Surgery)
This experimental study explored how refractive surgeries such as LASIK and SMILE influence epigenetic mechanisms—specifically DNA methylation—in corneal tissue. While LASIK and SMILE are well-established techniques for correcting myopia, the molecular and chromatin-level responses that occur in the corneal stroma post-surgery are not fully understood.
Researchers performed LASIK and SMILE procedures on donor eye globes and tracked changes in DNA methylation patterns at different postoperative time points using comprehensive methylome profiling (Illumina Infinium HM850 array). They found significant alterations in methylation across both procedures, suggesting that corneal wound healing involves dynamic epigenetic modulation.
Key findings include:
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Both LASIK and SMILE induced distinct hypomethylation patterns in genes associated with cytoskeletal activation, inflammation, and corneal repair.
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Specific genes—such as smad3, prkca, ssh2, and others involved in sphingolipid metabolism and mucin biosynthesis—showed early changes post-surgery, indicating their potential roles in tissue remodeling.
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These epigenetic changes may be linked to postoperative outcomes including corneal haze development, and suggest new avenues for therapeutic modulation using chromatin-targeting agents.
Summary: This study reveals that LASIK and SMILE affect not only biomechanical and structural aspects of the cornea but also leave an epigenetic footprint that may influence long-term healing and complications. Understanding these DNA methylation changes opens the door to potential epigenetic-based therapies to optimize surgical outcomes.