Purpose  

To study the effects of epigenetic events on corneal barrier functions, we examined tight junctions (TJs), the most important factor in the barrier function of the cornea, by using in vitro and in vivo corneal trauma models.

Methods  

We examined alteration of TJ-associated gene expression and corneal barrier function in human corneal cells by methylating and demethylating promoter cytosine (CpG) islands, with and without epigenetic regulators such as trichostatin A, (TSA), 5-azacytidine (5-aza), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). We also investigated the clinical relevance of epigenetic regulators by applying these agents to murine experimental corneal trauma.

Results  

Treatment with epigenetic regulators such as TSA, 5-aza, and DMSO significantly enhanced the expression of TJ-associated genes such as claudin 6 and claudin 9 in corneal cells, changing transcriptional signals by demethylating CpG islands. In addition, the epigenetic regulators increased transendothelial electrical resistance and suppressed fluxes of corneal cells, thus enhancing the corneal barrier function. These epigenetic regulators mediated TJ-associated gene enhancement, and the corneal barrier function enhancement was sufficient to limit the corneal fluxes in murine experimental corneal trauma.

Conclusions  

Epigenetic regulators enhance corneal barrier impairment by modulating TJs, so epigenetic regulation is a possible therapeutic method for corneal trauma.