MicroRNA regulation of critical retinal pigment epithelial functions

Samuel W Du; Krzysztof Palczewski

doi:10.1016/j.tins.2021.10.008

MicroRNA regulation of critical retinal pigment epithelial functions

Trends Neurosci. 2022 Jan;45(1):78-90. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.10.008. Epub 2021 Nov 6.

Authors

Samuel W Du¹, Krzysztof Palczewski²

Affiliations

¹ Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA.
² Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA. Electronic address: kpalczew@uci.edu.

Abstract

MicroRNAs are short, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNAs that are critical for the control of normal cellular physiology. In the retina, photoreceptors are highly specialized neurons that transduce light into electrical signals. Photoreceptors, however, are unable to process visual stimuli without the support of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE performs numerous functions to aid the retina, including the generation of visual chromophore and metabolic support. Recent work has underscored how microRNAs enable vision through their contributions to RPE functions. This review focuses on the biogenesis and control of microRNAs in rodents and humans, the roles microRNAs play in RPE function and degeneration, and how microRNAs could serve as potential therapeutics and biomarkers for visual diseases.

Keywords: biomarker; exosome; gene therapy; noncoding RNA; oxidative stress; phagocytosis.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Humans
MicroRNAs* / genetics
MicroRNAs* / metabolism
Retina
Retinal Pigment Epithelium / metabolism
Retinal Pigments / metabolism
Vision, Ocular

Substances

MicroRNAs
Retinal Pigments

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding