Comprehensive small non-coding RNA profiling reveals novel diagnostic biomarkers for primary open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common glaucoma type.
• Early POAG optic neuropathy can lead to irreversible visual field defects.
• Timely diagnosis is often missed due to subtle early symptoms, delaying treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) biomarkers for early diagnosis of POAG.
• To investigate the role of sncRNAs in the pathogenesis of POAG.
• To evaluate the diagnostic potential of sncRNAs in POAG patients.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples from 30 POAG patients and 30 healthy controls were analyzed using PANDORA-seq for sncRNA transcriptomics.
• Differentially expressed sncRNAs were identified and functionally annotated.
• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for validation and diagnostic performance assessment.

Main Results:

• A total of 169 differentially expressed sncRNAs were identified, including PIWI-interacting RNAs, microRNAs, and transfer RNA-derived small RNAs.
• Functional analysis revealed sncRNAs' involvement in apoptosis, inflammation, and intraocular pressure regulation.
• Six candidate sncRNAs, including hsa-miR-451a, were validated, with hsa-miR-451a showing good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.83).

Conclusions:

• This study identifies specific sncRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for early POAG detection.
• Dysregulation of sncRNAs is implicated in POAG pathogenesis.
• These findings offer new insights for developing early diagnostic tools and monitoring POAG progression.