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The role of microRNAs in myopia

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, research on microRNAs (miRNAs) has become popular because of the critical role these macromolecules play in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Recent efforts have been made to identify miRNAs and their possible roles in myopia. The aim of this review was to summarize the expression and function of miRNAs during the development of myopia.

Methods

In this article, we reviewed the current research on the mechanisms that regulate miRNA expression, the potential for miRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker for myopia, and the mechanisms by which miRNAs promote the development of myopia. We also discussed the miRNA expression profiles in human fetal sclera.

Results

We summarized the miRNA expression profiles in myopia, including miR-328, miR-184, miR-29a, and miR-let-7i, and also the miRNA expression profiles in fetal sclera, including miR-214, miR-let-7, miR-103, miR-107, miR-29b, miR-328, and miR-98.

Conclusions

Such knowledge could lead to more precise diagnosis, prognosis, and response predictions for future treatments for myopia, and the pace of discovery is expected to accelerate dramatically in the near future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qinchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China

    Bo Jiang, Yangshun Gu & Jianyong Wang

  2. Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

    Yanan Huo

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  1. Bo Jiang
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  2. Yanan Huo
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Correspondence to Jianyong Wang.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 81200717). The sponsor had no role in the design or conduct of this research.

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All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Jiang, B., Huo, Y., Gu, Y. et al. The role of microRNAs in myopia. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 255, 7–13 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-016-3532-6

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