Investigating the Retinal Proteome in Myopia Signaling Pathways Using Experimentally Induced Mouse Myopia - Thesis Abstract

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Connor

Myopia (short-sightedness) has become the leading cause of vision impairment, with epidemic prevalence, particularly in Asia. Its severity can progress to high myopia, the second most common cause of blindness. This thesis developed and optimized techniques for precise biometric measurements and experimentally induced mouse myopia models. Using retinal mass spectrometry, it investigated proteomic signaling involving tight junction, HIF-1, cAMP, AMPK pathways and dopaminergic synapses, identifying dysregulated Glut1 expression. The study also highlights rosiglitazone as a potential therapeutic agent and maps phosphorylation and PTM changes during myopia progression.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages607

Reading Time25 h 30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Myopia background and model development

Retinal proteomics and signaling pathways

Key findings and therapeutic implications

List of publications (selected)

Copyright Undertaking This thesis is protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. By reading and using the thesis, the reader understands and agrees to the following terms: 1. The reader will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the thesis. 2. The reader will use the thesis for the purpose of research or private study only and not for distribution or further reproduction or any other purpose. 3. The reader agrees to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage. IMPORTANT If you have reasons to believe that any materials in this thesis are deemed not suitable to be distributed in this form, or a copyright owner having difficulty with the material being included in our database, please contact [lbsys@polyu.edu.hk](lbsys@polyu.edu.hk providing)[ providing](lbsys@polyu.edu.hk providing) details. The Library will look into your claim and consider taking remedial action upon receipt of the written requests. Pao Yue-kong Library, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong [http://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk](http://www.lib.polyu.edu.hk) INVESTIGATING THE RETINAL PROTEOME IN MYOPIA SIGNALING PATHWAYS USING EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED MOUSE MYOPIA SZE YING HON PhD The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 2025 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Optometry Investigating the Retinal Proteome in Myopia Signaling Pathways Using Experimentally Induced Mouse Myopia SZE Ying Hon A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy August 2024 CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY I hereby declare that this thesis is my own work and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it reproduces no material previously published or written, nor material that has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma, except where due acknowledgement has been made in the text. (Signed) SZE YING HON (Name) Abstract Myopia (short-sightedness) has become the leading cause of vision impairment, with epidemic prevalence, particularly in Asia. Its severity can progress to high myopia, the second most common cause of blindness. This thesis developed and optimized techniques for precise biometric measurements of refraction, vitreous chamber deepening, and axial elongation in minus lens-induced mice eyes, mimicking established animal models such as chicks and guinea pigs. We investigated the role of the proteome in the myopia signaling pathway using experimentally induced myopia mouse models, focusing on the involvement of proteins in tight junction, HIF-1, cAMP, AMPK signaling pathways, and dopaminergic synapses. Various advanced mass spectrometry techniques optimized for retinal tissues were employed, including isobaric tags, data-dependent acquisition, dataindependent acquisition, and multiple reaction monitoring acquisition. This thesis presents the largest retinal-specific spectral library, consisting of 9401 proteins. Our findings revealed dysregulation of retinal Glut1 protein expression during myopia progression and identified the PPAR gamma agonist rosiglitazone as a novel therapeutic agent that regulates insulin sensitivity to slow myopia progression. Additionally, we examined optical defocus-mediated differential protein phosphorylation in early myopia and hyperopia development in chick retinas. The post-translational modifications (PTMs) revealed key bidirectional changes in retinal rhodopsin, violet-sensitive opsin, and blue-sensitive opsin in response to myopic and hyperopic defocus. Kinase enrichment analysis highlighted the dysregulation of protein kinases PDHK1, PDHK4, CDK, CDK10, CLK3, and MTOR, emphasizing their unexplored roles in PTMs related to myopia pathogenesis. In summary, this thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the proteomic mechanisms o

FAQs

What techniques did the thesis develop for studying experimentally induced mouse myopia?

The thesis developed and optimized methods for precise biometric measurements of refraction, vitreous chamber deepening, and axial elongation in minus lens-induced mice eyes.

Which signaling pathways and protein changes were investigated in retinal myopia?

Proteome-level investigation focused on tight junction, HIF-1, cAMP, AMPK signaling pathways and dopaminergic synapses, revealing dysregulated retinal Glut1 expression during progression.

What potential therapy was identified, and what mechanism does the thesis suggest?

The thesis identifies the PPAR gamma agonist rosiglitazone as a novel therapeutic candidate that regulates insulin sensitivity to slow myopia progression.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Connor