title: 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.
authors: a Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute , Cleveland , Ohio , USA.
authors: Tal J
authors: TJ
authors: Rubinstein
authors: a Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute , Cleveland , Ohio , USA.
authors: Adam C
authors: AC
authors: Weber
authors: a Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute , Cleveland , Ohio , USA.
authors: Elias I
authors: EI
authors: Traboulsi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000196:embryology*; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology
keywords: Embryology; epithelium; eyelid; genetics