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Ectodysplasin-A signaling is a key integrator in the lacrimal gland–cornea feedback loop

ABSTRACT A lack of ectodysplasin-A (Eda) signaling leads to dry eye symptoms, which have so far only been associated with altered Meibomian glands. Here, we used loss-of-function (Eda−/−) mutant mice to unravel the impact of Eda signaling on lacrimal gland formation, maturation and subsequent physiological function. Our study demonstrates that Eda activity is dispensable during lacrimal gland embryonic development. However, using a transcriptomic approach, we show that the Eda pathway is necessary for proper cell terminal differentiation in lacrimal gland epithelium and correlated with modified expression of secreted factors commonly found in the tear film. Finally, we discovered that lacrimal glands present a bilateral reduction of Eda signaling activity in response to unilateral corneal injury. This observation hints towards a role for the Eda pathway in controlling the switch from basal to reflex tears, to support corneal wound healing. Collectively, our data suggest a crucial implication of Eda signaling in the cornea–lacrimal gland feedback loop, both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Our findings demonstrate that Eda downstream targets could help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Summary: Physiological and molecular defects in the lacrimal glands of Eda−/− mice reveal that Eda signaling contributes to the cornea/lacrimal gland feedback loop in both basal and reflex tear production.