LINC02099 Promotes Retinal Extracellular Matrix Deposition in Diabetic Mice Via the miRNA-214-3p/CTSS Axis
Zijin He1,2, Xujun Peng1,2, Yuqing Feng1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 18, 2025
Summary
This study identifies the LINC02099/miRNA-214-3p/CTSS pathway as a key regulator of retinal fibrosis in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Targeting this axis offers potential new therapies for advanced diabetic eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) causes retinal fibrosis, leading to vision loss.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition is a critical process in PDR-related retinal fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC02099 in retinal ECM deposition.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of LINC02099 in PDR.
Main Methods:
- lncRNA microarray analysis of PDR vitreous samples.
- In vitro high-glucose Müller cell model and in vivo diabetic mouse model.
- Real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, FISH, and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
Main Results:
- LINC02099 expression is elevated in PDR vitreous samples.
- LINC02099 promotes ECM deposition in Müller cells and diabetic mouse retinas.
- LINC02099 regulates ECM deposition via the miRNA-214-3p/CTSS axis.
Conclusions:
- The LINC02099/miRNA-214-3p/CTSS axis is a novel regulatory pathway in PDR.
- This pathway is implicated in retinal ECM expression in PDR.
- Targeting this axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for PDR.
