Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms in PCO and Fibrosis Following Cataract Surgery
Published on: December 1, 2023
Inhibition of miR-29a-3p Alleviates Apoptosis of Lens Epithelial Cells via Upregulation of CAND1
Rui Fang1, Hai-Long Li2, Ning-Xin Lv1
1Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Purpose:
Accumulated evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of senile cataracts. Here we investigate the effect of miR-29a-3p in cataractogenesis and determined the potential molecular mechanism involved.
Methods:
In this study, we constructed a selenite cataract model in rats and obtained the miRNAs related to cataracts by whole transcriptome sequencing. To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-29a-3p on cataracts, we performed several in vivo and in vitro experiments, including CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, luciferase reporter assay, Edu assay, and western blot analysis.
Result:
Sequencing data showed downregulation of miR-29a-3p in rats with selenite cataracts. Down-regulation of miR-29a-3p could promote lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04) proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis, and miR-29a-3p silence could inhibit the development of cataracts. Additionally, CAND1 was a direct target gene for miR-29a-3p.
Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that miR-29a-3p inhibits apoptosis of lens epithelial cells by regulating CAND1, which may be a potential target for senile cataracts.
Insights
MicroRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) is downregulated in cataracts. It inhibits lens epithelial cell apoptosis by regulating CAND1, suggesting it’s a potential therapeutic target for senile cataracts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of senile cataracts.
- Understanding the specific roles of individual miRNAs in cataractogenesis is essential for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-29a-3p in cataractogenesis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which miR-29a-3p influences cataract development.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of selenite-induced cataracts was established.
- Whole transcriptome sequencing was employed to identify relevant miRNAs.
- In vivo and in vitro experiments included CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, luciferase reporter assay, Edu assay, and western blot analysis.
Main Results:
- Sequencing revealed downregulation of miR-29a-3p in rats with selenite cataracts.
- Downregulation of miR-29a-3p promoted lens epithelial cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis.
- miR-29a-3p directly targets CAND1, and its silencing inhibited cataract development.
Conclusions:
- miR-29a-3p inhibits lens epithelial cell apoptosis through regulation of CAND1.
- miR-29a-3p represents a potential therapeutic target for managing senile cataracts.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Inhibition of Cdk Activity
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway