Abstract
Purpose To identify an effective method to prevent myopia progression by characterizing the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 expression and its secretion from scleral fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells by miR-29a. Methods The effects of miR-29a on the growth of scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8. The changes in MMP-2 mRNA levels in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells after transfection with miR-29a mimics or inhibitor were measured by quantitative PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the changes in MMP-2 secretion from scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells after transfection with miR-29a mimics or inhibitor. Results The miR-29a mimics or inhibitor did not significantly alter the growth of scleral fibroblasts or RPE cells at 24, 48, or 72 hours after transfection. MMP-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells transfected with the miR-29a mimics. The secretion of MMP-2 by scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells was significantly decreased in cells transfected with the miR-29a mimics. Conclusions Suppression of scleral fibroblast and RPE cell expression and secretion of MMP-2 by miR-29a can be used as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of myopia.
Highlights
Myopia is a major public health problem worldwide and is the leading cause of visual impairment [1]
To assess the effects of miR-29a on the cell growth of scleral fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, the miR-29a mimics or inhibitors were transfected into scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells, and growth was assessed relative to that of the negative control (NC) using the CCK8 kit. miR-29a mimics or inhibitor did not significantly affect the growth of scleral fibroblasts or RPE cells at 24, 48, or 72 hours after transfection compared with the negative controls (NCs) (P > 0.05; Figure 2)
Lu et al showed that miR-29a mimics decreased matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-)2 expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCC-25 cells, whereas miR-29a inhibitors increased Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 expression in SCC-9 [22]
Summary
Myopia is a major public health problem worldwide and is the leading cause of visual impairment [1]. The sclera undergoes several changes during the development and progression of myopia, including scleral thinning and weakening [3]. The structural and biomechanical changes in the myopic sclera of human eyes have been well-documented. Besides being thinner than normal, its glycosaminoglycan and collagen contents are reduced and its fibril assembly disorganized, rendering it weaker biomechanically [4,5,6]. The growth and refractive state of the eye can be manipulated by controlling imposed retinal defocus [7]. The decrease in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell density was associated with a longer axial length [8]. Studies of scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells are important for assessing the occurrence and progress of myopia
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