Megan M. Yim
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Megan M. Yim has a total of 9 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Boaz Li
Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
1 shared publication - Brendan K. Tao
Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1 shared publication - Eduardo Vitor Navajas
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
1 shared publication - Haaris Khan
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9, Canada
1 shared publication - Jim S. Xie
Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2L9, Canada
1 shared publication - Michael Balas
Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 2 May 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Diagnostics
- Vol. 15 (9) , 1161
Circulating Cell-Free DNA as an Epigenetic Biomarker for Early Diabetic Retinopathy: A Narrative Review
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is typically asymptomatic in its early stages. Diagnosis typically relies on routine fundoscopy for the clinical detection of microvascular abnormalities. However, permanent retinal damage may occur well before clinical signs are appreciable. In the early stages of DR, the retina undergoes distinct epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications. Recent evidence supports unique epigenetic ‘signatures’ in patients with DR compared to non-diabetic controls. These DNA ‘signature’ sequences may be specific to the retina and may circulate in peripheral blood in the form of cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In this review, we explore the literature and clinical application of cfDNA sampling as an early, non-invasive, accessible assessment tool for early DR detection. First, we summarize the known epigenetic signatures of DR. Next, we review current sequencing technologies used for cfDNA detection, such as magnetic bead-based enrichment, next-generation sequencing, and bisulfite sequencing. Finally, we outline the current research limitations and emerging areas of study which aim to improve the clinical utility of cfDNA for DR evaluation.
- 2 May 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Diagnostics
- Vol. 15 (9) , 1161
Open AccessCirculating Cell-Free DNA as an Epigenetic Biomarker for Early Diabetic Retinopathy: A Narrative Review
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is typically asymptomatic in its early stages. Diagnosis typically relies on routine fundoscopy for the clinical detection of microvascular abnormalities. However, permanent retinal damage may occur well before clinical signs are appreciable. In the early stages of DR, the retina undergoes distinct epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications. Recent evidence supports unique epigenetic ‘signatures’ in patients with DR compared to non-diabetic controls. These DNA ‘signature’ sequences may be specific to the retina and may circulate in peripheral blood in the form of cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In this review, we explore the literature and clinical application of cfDNA sampling as an early, non-invasive, accessible assessment tool for early DR detection. First, we summarize the known epigenetic signatures of DR. Next, we review current sequencing technologies used for cfDNA detection, such as magnetic bead-based enrichment, next-generation sequencing, and bisulfite sequencing. Finally, we outline the current research limitations and emerging areas of study which aim to improve the clinical utility of cfDNA for DR evaluation.