The Impact of miRNAs in Health and Disease of Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Open Access
- 15 January 2021
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Frontiers Media SA in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are essential key players in the control of biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. miRNAs play important roles in fine tuning the expression of many genes, which often have roles in common molecular networks. miRNA dysregulation thus renders cells vulnerable to aberrant fluctuations in genes, resulting in degenerative diseases. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of polarized pigmented epithelial cells that resides between the light-sensitive photoreceptors (PR) and the choriocapillaris. The demanding physiological functions of RPE cells require precise gene regulation for the maintenance of retinal homeostasis under stress conditions and the preservation of vision. Thus far, our understanding of how miRNAs function in the homeostasis and maintenance of the RPE has been poorly addressed, and advancing our knowledge is central to harnessing their potential as therapeutic agents to counteract visual impairment. This review focuses on the emerging roles of miRNAs in the function and health of the RPE and on the future exploration of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to counteract blinding diseases.Keywords
Funding Information
- Fondazione Telethon
This publication has 147 references indexed in Scilit:
- Conserved microRNA pathway regulates developmental timing of retinal neurogenesisProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013
- Mechanisms for Countering Oxidative Stress and Damage in Retinal Pigment EpitheliumInternational Review of Cell and Molecular Biology, 2012
- Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF) Promotes Differentiation of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) by Regulating microRNAs-204/211 ExpressionJournal of Biological Chemistry, 2012
- Alternative miRNA Biogenesis Pathways and the Interpretation of Core miRNA Pathway MutantsMolecular Cell, 2011
- DICER1 deficit induces Alu RNA toxicity in age-related macular degenerationNature, 2011
- Inflammatory cytokines regulate microRNA-155 expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells by activating JAK/STAT pathwayBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2010
- miR-204 is required for lens and retinal development via Meis2 targetingProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2010
- MicroRNAs couple cell fate and developmental timing in retinaProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2009
- Expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits in native human retinal pigment epitheliumExperimental Eye Research, 2008
- MicroRNAs Regulate Ocular NeovascularizationMolecular Therapy, 2008