Abstract
Purpose:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short (~22) nucleotide non-coding RNAs, which inhibit protein translation through binding to target mRNAs. Recent studies have implied that miRNAs play a regulatory role in corneal development. In the present study, we profile their involvement in corneal epithelial renewal and develop a miRNA-Target-Network that affects wound healing outcome.
Methods:
Mouse corneal epithelial cell layers were scratch wounded and harvested. NanoString nCounter technology analyzed differentially expressed miRNAs during mouse corneal epithelial wound healing. To generate a miRNA-target network, we utilized Targetscan for predicting miRNA targets. Gene ontology (GO) analysis facilitated elucidating the biological implications of unique target genes. Furthermore, pathway analysis identified significant signaling axes according to the KEGG database.
Results:
About 15 miRNAs were dramatically downregulated whereas 14 other miRNAs were markedly upregulated during corneal wound healing. miR-204 and miR-184 were the most downregulated miRNAs. Bioinformatic analyses reveal a complex miRNA-target network during corneal wound healing.
Conclusions:
Our results revealed differentially expressed miRNAs during corneal epithelial wound healing and a complex miRNA-gene-network that is modulated by these miRNAs. Downregulation of miR-204 and miR-184 appears to be an essential response to injury.