Abstract
Purpose:
microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short (~22) nucleotide non-coding RNAs which inhibit protein translation through binding to target mRNAs. Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-184 can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration. Its role in corneal epithelial renewal, however, remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the function of miR-184 in corneal epithelial wound healing.
Methods:
Realtime RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-184 in mouse corneal epithelium during the wound healing process. Human corneal epithelial cells were transfected with miR-184 using Lipofectamine RNAiMAX reagent. MTS and a wound-healing assay were carried out to evaluate the effects of miR-184 on human corneal epithelial cell proliferation and migration. Flow cytometry evaluated cell cycle progression.
Results:
miR-184 was dramatically downregulated in corneal epithelial wound healing. Transfection of miR-184 into human corneal epithelial cells led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation and induced cell cycle G2-arrest. Furthermore, miR-184 transfection inhibited cell migration.
Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that miR-184 inhibits human corneal epithelial cell proliferation and migration. This indicates that miR-184 downregulation contributes to hastening these responses during corneal epithelial wound healing.