Molecular biology and genetics of embryonic eyelid development

ABSTRACT

The embryology of the eyelid is a complex process that includes interactions between the surface ectoderm and mesenchymal tissues. In the mouse and human, the eyelids form and fuse before birth; they open prenatally in the human and postnatally in the mouse. In the mouse, cell migration is stimulated by different growth factors such as FGF10, TGF-α, Activin B, and HB-EGF. These growth factors modulate downstream BMP4 signaling, the ERK cascade, and JNK/c-JUN. Several mechanisms, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, may inhibit and regulate eyelid fusion. Eyelid opening, on the other hand, is driven by the BMP/Smad signaling system. Several human genetic disorders result from dysregulation of the above molecular pathways.

KEYWORDS:

• Embryology
• epithelium
• eyelid
• genetics

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Alon Cahana, MD, PhD, University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center, and Meghan Marino, MS, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.