MicroRNAs and diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of blindness among adults in the world. Its pathogenesis is complex, and the molecular mechanism is not yet fully understood. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a kind of endogenous and highly conservative RNA with tissue specificity. The expression of target genes is negatively regulated by complementary pairing with mRNA to degrade mRNA or inhibit mRNA translation at post transcriptional levels. In recent years, more and more evidences show that miRNA can play an important role in the pathogenesis of DR through various mechanisms, such as angiogenesis, apoptosis and inflammation. The functions and mechanisms of miRNAs, known as abnormal expression in DR, and its targets genes, providing new strategies and directions for the prevention and research of DR.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2018, 42: 274-278) Key words: MicroRNA; diabetic retinopathy; endothelial cell