Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets in Ocular Diseases

Ocular diseases constitute a major and growing cause of visual impairment worldwide, driven by aging, metabolic disorders, environmental stressors, and emerging infectious threats. Despite substantial advances in imaging technologies and surgical interventions, several vision-threatening conditions remain inadequately controlled at the molecular level. Disorders affecting the retina, cornea, optic nerve, and ocular surface frequently involve complex and interrelated mechanisms, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and neurodegeneration. While recent progress in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and single-cell sequencing has significantly expanded our understanding of ocular pathophysiology, the translation of these discoveries into targeted, mechanism-driven therapies remains incomplete. A comprehensive molecular framework is needed to identify actionable therapeutic targets and enable precision-based interventions across the spectrum of ocular diseases.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of molecular pathways underlying ocular diseases and accelerate the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Although clinical management has improved substantially over the past decades, many ocular conditions are still treated symptomatically or through broadly acting agents rather than through precise modulation of disease-specific molecular drivers. The integration of high-throughput omics technologies, advanced bioinformatics, gene editing tools, RNA-based therapeutics, targeted biologics, and nanotechnology enabled delivery systems is transforming the landscape of translational ophthalmic research.Recent advances in single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR-mediated genome editing, epigenetic modulation, and systems biology modeling offer unprecedented opportunities to dissect disease heterogeneity and identify pathway-specific interventions. Furthermore, artificial intelligence– assisted molecular profiling and multi-omics integration are facilitating biomarker discovery and predictive modeling. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between molecular biologists, clinicians, pharmacologists, and bioengineers, this Research Topic seeks to promote innovative research that bridges mechanisticinsight with therapeutic development, ultimately contributing to more effective and personalized strategies for the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases.To gather further insights into molecular pathogenesis and translational innovation in ophthalmology, we welcome contributions that address foundational research, translational studies, and emergingtherapeutic strategies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• Molecular signaling pathways in retinal, corneal, optic nerve, and ocular surface disorders• Genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling in ocular diseases• Inflammation, immune modulation, and neurodegenerative mechanisms in ocular pathology• Angiogenesis, fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tissue regeneration• Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and metabolic reprogramming• Biomarker discovery for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring• Gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, biologics, and targeted small-molecule interventions• Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for ocular applications• Precision medicine and systems biology approaches in ophthalmology• Experimental models and novel molecular methodologies for ocular research Topic editors: Giuseppe Giannaccare, Mohit Parekh Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79516/molecular-mechanisms-and-therapeutic-targets-in-ocular-diseases