Comparative single-cell transcriptomic profiling of healthy, dry-eye model, and therapeutic intervention in SD rat corneas
This study aims to understand cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms in corneal tissues under normal, dry-eye, and therapeutic conditions. We established three groups of SD rats: healthy (normal rearing), dry-eye model (0.2% benzalkonium chloride twice daily for 14 days), and treatment (BAC induction plus DFIL 10 mM in PBS three times daily for 14 days). Using single-cell sequencing of corneal tissues, we will identify distinct cell populations, cell-specific gene expression patterns, and key signaling pathways associated with dry-eye development and DFIL's therapeutic effects. This research provides insights into dry-eye disease mechanisms and potential treatment targets, while advancing understanding of corneal responses to pathology and therapy at single-cell resolution.