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Exosomal microRNA from Plasma in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma of Korea
Hyo Jung An1,2, Dae Hyun Song1,2, Changwon Kee3
1Department of Pathology, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Changwon 51472, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the microRNA (miRNA) profile extracted from exosomes in plasma samples in pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma patients compared to controls. A blood sample (10 mL) was obtained after acquiring written informed consent. Exosome was extracted from each plasma sample using an Exoquick-TC kit. RNA sequencing was performed for each exosome sample. A bioinformatics study was conducted for miRNA-related pathways and targets. A total of 14 Korean subjects (7 with PEX glaucoma; 7 age-matched controls) were involved in the final study. In exosomes of PEX glaucoma participants, 330 mature miRNAs were detected. Among these, three miRNAs were significantly upregulated, including hsa-miR-92b-5p (fold change: 24.68), hsa-miR-744-5p (fold change: 2.49), and hsa-miR-148b-3p (fold change: 3.96). Sixty-six miRNAs were significantly downregulated in PEX glaucoma patients compared to the controls (all p < 0.05). These significantly altered miRNAs (both upregulated and downregulated) were associated with the gene ontology (GO) category of neurogenesis (9.41%), which accounted for the largest proportion. The expression of exosomal microRNAs in plasma was significantly different between PEX glaucoma patients and the controls. This suggests their possible roles in the pathogenic mechanism and a good diagnostic marker for PEX glaucoma.
Insights
Exosomes in plasma reveal distinct microRNA (miRNA) profiles in pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma patients. These findings suggest specific miRNAs may play a role in PEX glaucoma pathogenesis and serve as diagnostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma is a common condition characterized by the accumulation of fibrillar material in ocular tissues.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various diseases.
- Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that carry biomolecules, including miRNAs, and can be found in bodily fluids like plasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential expression of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma compared to healthy controls.
- To identify specific miRNAs and associated pathways that may be involved in the pathogenesis of PEX glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 7 PEX glaucoma patients and 7 age-matched controls.
- Exosomes were isolated from plasma using the Exoquick-TC kit.
- RNA sequencing was performed on exosomal RNA to profile miRNA expression.
- Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their associated pathways and targets.
Main Results:
- A total of 330 mature miRNAs were detected in exosomes from PEX glaucoma participants.
- Three miRNAs (hsa-miR-92b-5p, hsa-miR-744-5p, hsa-miR-148b-3p) were significantly upregulated in PEX glaucoma patients.
- Sixty-six miRNAs were significantly downregulated in PEX glaucoma patients compared to controls (all p < 0.05).
- The most prominent Gene Ontology (GO) category associated with these altered miRNAs was neurogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in exosomal miRNA expression exist between PEX glaucoma patients and controls.
- Specific upregulated and downregulated miRNAs, particularly those related to neurogenesis, may contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms of PEX glaucoma.
- Exosomal miRNAs in plasma show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for PEX glaucoma.
