微RNAs在角膜的表达和功能

Expression and function of microRNAs in the cornea

微RNAs是近20年来发现的一类长度为21～ 25个核苷酸的非编码蛋白质的单链小RNA,其普遍存在于生物基因组内,通过与靶mRNA的3 ＇端非翻译区结合,在转录后和翻译水平调控基因表达.在眼部有200余种微RNAs表达,其中角膜可表达50余种.微RNAs在角膜的发育、分化、糖原代谢、损伤后修复以及稳态维持过程中具有重要的作用;此外,微RNAs在圆锥角膜、角膜移植后免疫排斥反应、单纯疱疹病毒感染及碱烧伤引起的新生血管形成等病理过程中也起到调控作用.因此,微RNAs在角膜中以组织特异性方式表达并调控角膜的生理、病理过程,研究微RNAs在角膜中的表达和调控将为探索角膜疾病的发病机制和新型治疗靶点提供理论依据.

MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are a class of small （21-25 nucleotides）,single-stranded,noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional or translational level by binding to the 3＇-untranslated region of the target mRNAs.miRNAs ubiquitously exist in the genome of an organism.More than two hundred miRNA species are expressed in the eye,of which 25％ are found in the cornea.miRNAs play important roles in corneal development,differentiation,glycogen metabolism,postinjury regeneration,and maintenance of homeostasis.On the other hand,miRNAs are involved in the regulation of pathological processes in the cornea,such as keratoconus,corneal neovascularization caused by corneal transplantation,herpes simplex virus infection and alkali burns.Therefore,miRNAs are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and regulate physiological and pathological processes in the cornea.The study of miRNA expression and regulation in the cornea would provide a theoretical basis for exploring pathogenic mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets for corneal diseases.