环状RNA在眼科疾病中的作用

Role of circRNA in ophthalmic diseases

环状RNA(circRNA)是由前体mRNA反向剪接形成的具有封闭结构的环状分子,可充当微小RNA(miRNA)“海绵”,与蛋白质、RNA结合形成复合物,发挥调控宿主基因表达、蛋白翻译的功能,在生理学和病理生理学中具有重要意义。多种眼科疾病中均存在特异性circRNA的异常表达,其通过“海绵”作用调控靶基因表达可引起多种眼部细胞功能异常,导致新生血管形成、血管渗漏、炎症反应、视网膜神经退行性变、晶状体混浊、肿瘤生长等病理改变,在眼病的发生和发展中可能起重要作用。本文就近年来circRNA在眼科疾病中的表达特点及其在眼病病理过程中介导的基因调控网络进行综述,探讨circRNA作为眼科疾病生物标志物及新型治疗靶点的意义。

Circular RNA(circRNA)is a closed loop molecule generated by the back-splicing of pre-mRNA.CircRNA can act as microRNA(miRNA)sponge or combine with proteins and RNAs to form complexes,having functions of regulating the host gene expression and protein translation,which is of great significance in physiology and pathophysiology.Aberrant expression of specific circRNA exists in multiple ophthalmic diseases.As miRNA sponge that regulates the expression of target genes,circRNA may induce the various dysfunctions of eye cells,resulting in neovascularization,vascular leakage,inflammation,neurodegeneration,lens opacity,tumor growth and other pathologic changes,which plays an important role in the development and progression of eye disorders.In this article,the current expression characteristics of circRNA and the gene regulatory networks mediated by circRNA in several ophthalmic diseases were reviewed to explore the value of circRNA being diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets in ophthalomology.