Decreased expression of miR-9 due to E50K OPTN mutation causes disruption of the expression of BDNF leading to RGC-5 cell apoptosis

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of E50K optineurin (OPTN) mutation on RGC-5 cells and to define the role of microRNA-9 (miR-9) in this system. Transfected RGC-5 cells were used to evaluate the effects of E50K OPTN on the expression of miR-9 and subsequent disruption of RGC-5 cell apoptosis was analyzed using western blotting. The results showed that the expression of E50K OPTN was associated with a marked reduction in the levels of miR-9 in the E50K OPTN-transfected RGC-5 cells. The E50K OPTN-dependent reductions in miR-9 led to increased expression of the transcriptional repressor, RE1-silencing transcription factor and decreased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Thus, E50K OPTN may disrupt the expression of miR-9, suggesting a potential mechanism by which E50K OPTN mutation may lead to RGC-5 cell apoptosis.