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MicroRNA-93 promotes the pathogenesis of glaucoma by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases as well as up-regulating

Manhua Xu1, Yanxi Wang1, Juan Zhou1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan Province, China.

Heliyon
|December 4, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-93 (miR-93) promotes glaucoma development by activating the Rho/ROCK pathway, leading to retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and damage. Inhibiting miR-93 reverses these effects, offering a potential therapeutic target for glaucoma.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
  • Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis is a key pathological feature of glaucoma.
  • The role of microRNAs in glaucoma pathogenesis is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of microRNA-93 (miR-93) on RGC apoptosis and retinal damage in acute glaucoma.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying miR-93's action in glaucoma.

Main Methods:

  • Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) model to induce RGC apoptosis.
  • Transfection of miR-93 mimics or inhibitors into RGCs and glaucoma mouse models.
  • Assessment of RGC viability, apoptosis, and retinal histopathology.
  • Analysis of extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and Rho/ROCK signaling pathway expression via qPCR and Western blotting.

Main Results:

  • miR-93 mimics promoted RGC apoptosis and exacerbated retinal damage in acute glaucoma models.
  • miR-93 mimics increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and altered ECM/MMP protein expression by activating the Rho/ROCK pathway.
  • miR-93 inhibitors reversed these detrimental effects.

Conclusions:

  • miR-93 plays a pro-glaucoma role by promoting RGC apoptosis and retinal damage.
  • The mechanism involves Rho/ROCK pathway activation, leading to ECM accumulation and MMP down-regulation.
  • Targeting miR-93 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for glaucoma.
Keywords:
Extracellular matrixGlaucomaIntraocular pressureMatrix metalloproteinasesMicroRNA-93Rho/ROCK signaling pathway

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