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miR-7 Reduces High Glucose Induced-damage Via HoxB3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Retinal Pigment
Zhongyi Yang1, Hanying Hu1, Yuling Zou1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Background:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes. This study investigated the effect of miR-7 in the regulation of cell proliferation via the HoxB3 gene and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in DR.
Methods:
Human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) cultured in normal medium (Control) and high glucose medium (25mM glucose, HG) was transfected with mimics NC (HG+ mimics NC), miR-7 mimics (HG+miR-7 mimics), inhibitor NC (HG+ inhibitor NC), and miR-inhibitor (HG+miR-7 inhibitor). The cells were assayed for viability, apoptosis, and expression of genes.
Results:
HG reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. However, miR-7 mimics reduced the apoptosis. PCR results showed that miR-7 was significantly upregulated after transfection with miR-7 mimics. The expression of Hoxb3, mTOR, p-PI3K, and p- AKT was significantly downregulated at mRNA and protein levels after miR-7 mimics transfection, while no difference was observed for PI3K and AKT expression.
Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate that miR-7 regulates the growth of retinal epithelial cells through various pathways and is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Insights
MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) was found to reduce apoptosis and regulate cell proliferation in diabetic retinopathy (DR) by influencing the HoxB3 gene and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This suggests miR-7 is a potential therapeutic target for DR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DR pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNA-7 (miR-7) in regulating cell proliferation in diabetic retinopathy.
- To explore the involvement of the HoxB3 gene and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in miR-7-mediated effects on retinal cells.
Main Methods:
- Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were cultured under high glucose conditions to mimic diabetic environments.
- Cells were transfected with miR-7 mimics or inhibitors to modulate miR-7 expression.
- Cell viability, apoptosis, and gene expression (Hoxb3, PI3K, AKT, mTOR) were assessed using PCR and protein analysis.
Main Results:
- High glucose conditions reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis.
- Transfection with miR-7 mimics counteracted the effects of high glucose by reducing apoptosis and upregulating miR-7 expression.
- miR-7 mimics significantly downregulated the expression of HoxB3, mTOR, p-PI3K, and p-AKT at both mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions:
- MiR-7 plays a critical role in regulating retinal epithelial cell growth and apoptosis in the context of diabetic retinopathy.
- The findings highlight the involvement of the HoxB3 gene and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in miR-7's function.
- MiR-7 represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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