Molecular basis of mitomycin C enhanced corneal sensory nerve repair

We performed RNASeq and confocal imaging analysis to characterize the gene expression changes in the cornea after wounding that modulate sensory axon integrity. We show that by preserving the ability of axons to attach to one another and to corneal epithelial cells, mitomycin C enhances sensory nerve recovery after mechanical injury. Epithelium and stroma from mouse corneas with/without Mitomycin C treatment and wounding were examined, 4 variables were tested (Control, Mitomycin C Control, Wound, Mitomycin C Wound).