MicroRNAs in the Neural Retina

Abstract

The health and function of the visual system rely on a collaborative interaction between diverse classes of molecular regulators. One of these classes consists of transcription factors, which are known to bind to DNA and control the transcription activities of their target genes. For a long time, it was thought that the transcription factors were the only regulators of gene expression. More recently, however, a novel class of regulators emerged. This class consists of a large number of small noncoding endogenous RNAs, namely, miRNAs. The miRNAs compose an essential component of posttranscriptional gene regulation, since they ultimately control the fate of gene transcripts. The retina, as a part of the central nervous system, is a well-established model for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal and glial functions. Numerous recent efforts have been made towards identification of miRNAs and their inferred roles in the visual pathway. In this review, we summarize the current state of our knowledge regarding the expression and function of miRNA in the neural retina and we discuss their potential uses as biomarkers for some retinal disorders.

MicroRNA regulation in an animal model of acute ocular hypertension

“…2012; Maiorano & Hindges 2012). miRNAs also play a key role in the regulation of polarization of microglial cells and have thus an effect on the progress of retinal disorders (Andreeva & Cooper 2014). …”

“…Previous studies have indicated the essential roles of miRNAs in the development, survival and normal function of the retina (Almasieh et al 2012;Maiorano & Hindges 2012). miRNAs also play a key role in the regulation of polarization of microglial cells and have thus an effect on the progress of retinal disorders (Andreeva & Cooper 2014).…”

Effects of microRNA‐133b on retinal vascular endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis through angiotensinogen‐mediated angiotensin II‐ extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 signalling pathway in rats with diabetic retinopathy

“…There are some microRNAs have relationship with DR, such as Mortuza et al (2014) explored the potential role of miR-195 in DR caused by hyperglycaemia changes. Further studies have also identified that miRs actively participate in retinal progression, homoeostasis and pathobiology, and miR-133b has been reported to show specific expression in retinal dopaminergic amacrine cells (Andreeva & Cooper 2014). Further studies have also identified that miRs actively participate in retinal progression, homoeostasis and pathobiology, and miR-133b has been reported to show specific expression in retinal dopaminergic amacrine cells (Andreeva & Cooper 2014).…”

Association between miRNAs expression and signaling pathways of oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy

“…are related to DR(Andreeva & Cooper, 2014). On the other hand, miRNA-126, miRNA-200b, and miRNA-31 are involved in vasculature regulation and therefore are crucial for suppression in DR.…”