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Noncoding RNAs as a novel approach to target retinopathy of prematurity
Hyunjong Kim1,2, Jaesub Kim2, Juhee Ryu1,2
1Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. This review explores noncoding RNAs as novel therapeutic targets for ROP, offering potential alternatives to current invasive treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of pediatric blindness, stemming from abnormal retinal vascular development.
- ROP involves distinct phases of vessel loss and proliferation, influenced by oxygen exposure and complex molecular factors like VEGFs.
- Current treatments for ROP, including laser therapy and anti-VEGF agents, face limitations due to invasiveness and rising incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of noncoding RNAs in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity.
- To identify noncoding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets for ROP.
- To explore noncoding RNA-based therapies as a next-generation treatment for ROP.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating noncoding RNAs in ROP.
- Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms of noncoding RNAs in retinal vascular development.
- Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of noncoding RNAs in preclinical and clinical contexts.
Main Results:
- Several noncoding RNAs have been identified as key regulators in ROP pathogenesis.
- These noncoding RNAs influence critical pathways involved in retinal angiogenesis and vascular stability.
- The findings highlight the potential of noncoding RNAs to modulate ROP progression.
Conclusions:
- Noncoding RNAs represent a promising area for developing novel, less invasive therapeutic strategies for ROP.
- Targeting specific noncoding RNAs could offer a more precise and effective approach to treating ROP.
- Further research into noncoding RNA therapeutics is warranted to address the unmet needs in ROP management.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vascular disease characterized by abnormal vessel development in the retina, has become a primary cause of blindness in children around the world. ROP can be developed during two different phases: vessel loss and vessel proliferation. Once preterm infants with immature retinal vessel growth are exposed to high level of oxygen inside the incubator, vessel loss can occur. When infants are exposed to room air, they may experience the proliferation of vessels in the retina. Although multiple factors are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of ROP, including vaso-endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and hypoxia-inducible factors, the pathogenesis of ROP is not completely understood. Although laser therapy and pharmacologic agents, such as anti-VEGF agents, have been commonly used to treat ROP, the incidence of ROP is rapidly rising. Given that current therapies can be invasive and long-term effects are not fully known, the search for novel therapeutic targets with less destructive properties needs to be considered. Within the last decade, the field of noncoding RNA therapy has shown potential as next-generation therapy to treat diverse diseases. In this review, we introduce various noncoding RNAs regulating ROP and discuss their role as potential therapeutic targets in ROP.
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