Non-coding RNA regulatory networks in dry eye disease: implications for pathogenesis and precision therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface disorder involving tear instability, inflammation, and nerve dysfunction.
• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes implicated in DED, including inflammation and epithelial integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on ncRNA involvement in DED pathogenesis.
• To integrate ncRNA regulatory pathways into a framework of DED pathogenic networks.
• To identify challenges and future directions for ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics in DED.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating ncRNAs in various DED tissue compartments (tears, blood, ocular tissues, extracellular vesicles).
• Analysis of specific ncRNA candidates (e.g., miR-146a, miR-31-5p, miR-21-5p) and emerging classes (lncRNAs, circRNAs).
• Integration of findings into a hierarchical framework of pathogenic networks.

Main Results:

• ncRNA dysregulation is observed across different DED subtypes and tissue compartments.
• Specific microRNAs are strong candidates, while long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs require further validation.
• Methodological challenges like sample variability and study heterogeneity impact translational research.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs provide a mechanistic basis for understanding DED and offer potential for precision diagnosis and subtype-specific treatments.
• Further research is needed for functional validation, longitudinal studies, and optimized ocular delivery systems.
• ncRNA-based biomarkers and therapeutics hold promise for clinical application in DED management.