Precise long non-coding RNA modulation in visual maintenance and impairment

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are remarkably powerful, flexible and pervasive cellular regulators. With the help of cheaper RNA-seq, high-throughput screening of lncRNAs has become widely applied and has identified large numbers of specific lncRNAs in various physiological or pathological processes. Vision is known to be a complex and vital perception that comprises 80% of the sensory information we receive. A consensus has been reached that normal visual maintenance and impairment are primarily driven by gene regulation. Recently, it has become understood that lncRNAs are key regulators in most biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, immune responses, oxidative stress and inflammation. Our review is intended to provide insight towards a comprehensive view of the precise modulation of lncRNAs in visual maintenance and impairment. We also highlight the challenges and future directions in conducting lncRNA studies, particularly in patients whose lncRNAs may hold expanded promise for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications.

Keywords: Long noncoding RNAs; Ocular diseases; Visual impairment; Visual maintenance; Visual system.

Figure 1

Landscape of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression in visual maintenance. Visual system consists two parts: (A) Refracting media, including cornea, aqueous humour, lens and vitreous body. (B) Photosensitive system mainly composed of retina and optic nerve connecting with visual centre. Overview of the related lncRNAs in visual system was displayed in the lower half of the figure.

Figure 2

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various kinds of visual impairment. This figure displayed lncRNAs in most visual impairments mentioned in this article, including (A) blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES), (B) age-related cataract, (C) glaucoma, (D) proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), (E) uveal melanoma, (F) retinoblastoma, (G) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), (H) retinal neurodegeneration, (I) retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and (J) diabetic retinopathy (DR).