Research progress on the role of microRNAs in diabetic retinopathy

Abstract:

The microRNAs(miRNAs)is a non-coding small RNA molecule with the function of regulating gene expression, which can be released by cells and tissues in various biological fluids, including serum or plasma. A large number of studies have confirmed that the expression of different miRNAs in diabetic retinopathy(DR)can be specifically increased or decreased. Recently, more and more evidence shows that some miRNAs in serum and plasma are specifically expressed in DR and participate in the occurrence and development of DR, and can become biomarkers for the diagnosis of DR and monitoring of DR progress. In addition, the regulation of these miRNAs levels may delay the progression of DR for early intervention in patients with DR. miRNAs is expected to become a new therapeutic target for DR. This paper mainly reviews the progress of miRNAs in the diagnosis and monitoring of DR and possible new therapeutic targets in recent years.

Key words:microRNAs; diabetic retinopathy; biomarkers; diagnosis; disease progression; treatment