[MicroRNA and progresses in the region of ophthalmology]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) consist of a growing class of short non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that negatively regulate the expression of genes involved in development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and other important cellular processes. They regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by either degradation or translational repression of a target mRNA. Nowadays more than 400 miRNAs have been identified in the human genome. A growing number of reports have established a link between a specific group of microRNAs and tissues in eyes, including cornea, len, retina. Here, we describe our current understanding of the structure, biogenesis and function of MicroRNAs, as well as their potential as novel therapeutic approaches in eye disease.