Identification of retinopathy of prematurity related miRNAs in hyperoxia-induced neonatal rats by deep sequencing
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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
Ruibin Zhao1, Lijuan Qian2, Li Jiang3
1Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China. tczhaoruibin@163.com.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a major problem for many preterm infants. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and have been studied in many diseases. To understand the roles of miRNAs in ROP model rats, we constructed two small RNA libraries from the plasma of hyperoxia-induced rats and normal controls. Sequencing data revealed that 44 down-regulated microRNAs and 22 up-regulated microRNAs from the hyperoxia-induced rats were identified by deep sequencing technology. Some of the differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). A total of 594 target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs were identified using a bioinformatics approach. Functional annotation analysis indicated that a number of pathways might be involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation, which might be involved in the genesis and development of ROP. The elevated expression level of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in the hyperoxia-induced neonatal rats was also confirmed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study provides some insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie ROP development, thereby aiding the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study identified differentially expressed miRNAs in a rat model, offering insights into ROP development and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Research
- Molecular Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision impairment in preterm infants.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with roles in various diseases.
- Understanding miRNA involvement in ROP is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs in a hyperoxia-induced rat model of ROP.
- To explore potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for ROP.
Main Methods:
- Construction and deep sequencing of small RNA libraries from plasma of hyperoxia-exposed and control rats.
- Validation of differentially expressed miRNAs using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR).
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify miRNA target genes and associated pathways.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels.
Main Results:
- Deep sequencing identified 44 down-regulated and 22 up-regulated miRNAs in hyperoxia-induced rats compared to controls.
- Bioinformatic analysis predicted 594 target genes for these differentially expressed miRNAs.
- Identified pathways involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and differentiation potentially linked to ROP.
- Confirmed elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels in the ROP model.
Conclusions:
- Specific miRNAs are differentially expressed in a rat model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- These miRNAs and their target genes are implicated in key pathways relevant to ROP development, such as angiogenesis.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of ROP and suggest potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
