Table 3.
Overview of Our Differentially Expressed miRNAs in POAG AH
| miRNA | POAG Expression | Validation | Ocular Function and Possible Relation to POAG Pathology |
|---|---|---|---|
| hsa-mir-143-3p | Upregulated | In agreement with microarray14 | Important for regulating the outflow capacity of the TM.36 Located on the long arm of chromosome 5 (5q32), a locus associated with POAG.44 In our study, we found a weak correlation between IOP and hsa-miR-143-3p concentration (R2 = 0.251; P < 0.05) |
| hsa-mir-211-5p | Upregulated | In agreement with RT-PCR34 |
Retinal levels correlate with IOP, mediated by oxidative stress and induced RGC apoptosis.34 In lens it can target Sirt1.47 Decreased expression of SIRT1 has been observed in the TM of glaucoma patients.48 |
| hsa-miR-221-3p | Upregulated | In agreement with Small RNA sequencing14 |
Pro-apoptotic in lens epithelial cells of cataract patients.49,50 Pro-apoptotic effects in RGCs of POAG patients requires further investigation. |
| hsa-mir-30a-3p | Upregulated | Novel finding | May inhibit the production of brain derived neurotrophic factors, perhaps contributing to neurotrophin deprivation observed in POAG.51–53 |
| hsa-mir-451a | Downregulated | Conflicting with a microarray reporting upregulation16 | Enhances mitochondrial function in the retina by downregulating ATF2.54 Decreases expression of MMP2,54 a protein with observed increased expression in POAG patients.58 |
| hsa-mir-486-5p | Downregulated | Novel finding | Targets Smad2, which inhibits ECM remodeling in the lens.59 In TM, Smad2 prevents mechanical stress induced autophagy. Effect of this miRNA on ECM remodeling in POAG TM,60 and on autophagy of TM cells requires further investigation. |
| hsa-mir-92a-3p | Downregulated | Novel finding | May inhibit inflammation and is downregulated during inflammatory responses.62,63 May play a role in retinal cell survival.64 |
We searched the literature for studies that previously reported these microRNAs regulated in POAG, validating the results. If miRNA was not a novel finding, we indicated the method that was used previously. In addition, we speculated on their ocular function and potential involvement in POAG.