Roles of non‐coding RNAs in eye development and diseases

Abstract

The prevalence of ocular disorders is dramatically increasing worldwide, especially those that cause visual impairment and permanent loss of vision, including cataract, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Extensive evidence has shown that ncRNAs are key regulators in various biogenesis and biological functions, controlling gene expression related to histogenesis and cell differentiation in ocular tissues. Aberrant expression and function of ncRNA can lead to dysfunction of visual system and mediate progression of eye disorders. Here, we mainly offer an overview of the role of precise modulation of ncRNAs in eye development and function in patients with eye diseases. We also highlight the challenges and future perspectives in conducting ncRNA studies, focusing specifically on the role of ncRNAs that may hold expanded promise for their diagnostic and therapeutic applications in various eye diseases.This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development

Epigenetics in Glaucoma

“…miRNAs may have a role in tissue remodelling [54], therefore influencing the resistance to flow in the TM by altering its constitution and particularly by inducing the differentiation of myoblasts into myofibroblasts in glaucomatous eyes [55][56][57][58]. Additionally, miRNAs such as miR-149e, miR-93-5p, miR-141-3, and miR211 may intervene in the regulation of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) metabolism [48] Several studies have focussed on differential levels of miRNA expression in the comparison between the aqueous humour of normal and glaucomatous eyes [48,59]. Particularly, miR-29b, miR-200c, miR-204, and miR-24 have been characterised as potential biomarkers for glaucoma diagnosis and characterisation [60].…”

“…Non-coding RNAs have also been demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma [ 47 , 48 ]. Recent research has shed light on the mechanisms by which these non-coding RNAs influence gene expression and contribute to disease processes.…”

“…The circRNA ZRANB1 is mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of glial cells, indicating that its regulatory activity is at a post-transcriptional level. It has been demonstrated by Wang et al [ 48 ] that its expression is significantly upregulated in retinal degeneration induced by glaucoma. It appears to have a negative control effect on the expression of miR-217 with the effect of an increase in Müller cell proliferation.…”

“…miRNAs may have a role in tissue remodelling [ 54 ], therefore influencing the resistance to flow in the TM by altering its constitution and particularly by inducing the differentiation of myoblasts into myofibroblasts in glaucomatous eyes [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Additionally, miRNAs such as miR-149e, miR-93-5p, miR-141-3, and miR211 may intervene in the regulation of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) metabolism [ 48 ]…”

Potential roles of lncRNA MALAT1-miRNA interactions in ocular diseases

“…These ncRNAs have been shown to impact important cellular processes, including angiogenesis, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, which are critical in the development and progression of ocular diseases (Cataldi et al 2021). Understanding the involvement of ncRNAs in ocular diseases holds promise for the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies targeting these ncRNA molecules (Shi et al 2023).…”