MicroRNA Expression in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome with the Use of Next-Generation Sequencing

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a significant systemic disorder affecting the extracellular matrix.
• The precise etiopathogenesis of PEX remains incompletely understood, despite known genetic and environmental links.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microRNA (miR) expression profiles in PEX using next-generation sequencing.
• To identify frequently occurring miRs and those with differential expression in PEX.
• To explore the correlation between miR expression and patient age.

Main Methods:

• Anterior lens capsules were collected from patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• Next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) was employed to analyze miR expression.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences and correlations.

Main Results:

• Ten miRs constituted approximately 95% of all sequenced reads.
• Four miRs (miR-671-3p, miR-374a-5p, miR-1307-5p, miR-708-5p) showed statistically significant expression differences between groups.
• No significant correlation was found between the expression of the most frequent miRs and patient age.

Conclusions:

• Specific miRs, including miR-671-3p, miR-374a-5p, miR-1307-5p, and miR-708-5p, may play a crucial role in the etiology of PEX.
• Further research into the influence of these miRs on PEX biogenesis is warranted.