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Review: MicroRNAS in ocular surface and dry eye diseases
Diane Meyre Rassi1, Cintia S De Paiva2, Lara Cristina Dias3
1Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Since the first description of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the 1990s, more than 60 papers have described the role of miRNAs on the ocular surface and lacrimal gland (LG). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a role in several physiological events and in mediation of disease. They inhibit gene expression by blocking messenger RNA. Diseases such as Sjögren syndrome (SS), ocular surface neoplasias, and infections are known to increase or reduce the expression of specific miRNAs. These miRNAs play key roles in modulating inflammation, delaying or enhancing wound healing, cell differentiation metabolism, and survival. This review describes the current understanding of miRNAs as biomarkers, mediators of diseases, and potential therapeutic targets in ocular surface diseases.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of ocular surface health and disease. This review highlights their roles as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for eye conditions like Sjögren syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Over 60 studies investigate miRNA roles in ocular surface and lacrimal gland physiology and pathology.
- miRNAs are implicated in various physiological processes and disease mediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of miRNAs in ocular surface diseases.
- To explore miRNAs as biomarkers for ocular surface conditions.
- To discuss miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for eye diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNAs in ocular surface and lacrimal gland.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in physiological and pathological conditions.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA functions in eye diseases.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNAs are upregulated or downregulated in diseases like Sjögren syndrome, ocular neoplasias, and infections.
- These miRNAs modulate critical cellular functions including inflammation, wound healing, differentiation, metabolism, and survival.
- miRNAs are recognized for their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are crucial regulators in ocular surface health and disease.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression is linked to various ocular surface pathologies.
- miRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for treating eye surface diseases.
