Expression and regulation of microRNA-29a and microRNA-29c in early diabetic rat cataract formation

Abstract

AIM: To determine the role of microRNA (miRNA)-29a and miRNA-29c in the regulation of apoptosis in early rat diabetic cataract formation. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in the study. The expression level of miRNA-29a, miRNA-29c, and BCL2-modifying factor (BMF) in lens epithelial cells (LECs) samples were measured using quantitative real -time polymerase chain redction. Prediction algorithms of miRanda, TargetScan 6.2, and mirRDB to perform a miRNA gene network analysis were used for the potential miRNA-29a and miRNA-29c targets. RESULTS: The miRNA-29a and miRNA-29c expression levels were all significantly lower in the control group compared to the 2 and 4wk diabetic samples (<0.01). The network analysis indicated that one miRNA-29a and miRNA -29c targets was BMF. There was significantly higher expression of BMF mRNA compared to the normal controls (<0.01). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis occurs in rat LECs following high blood glucose exposure. It is likely that apoptosis during diabetic cataract formation involves the decreased expression of miRNA -29a and miRNA -29c and the increased expression of BMF.