MicroRNA analysis of the lens capsule in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation cataract in the Indian population

Abstract

Abstract Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) effects the intraocular pressure (IOP) and vision of eye by causing pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). miRNAs have previously been linked to the aetiology of XFS and XFG. Present study focuses on the differential expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in anterior lens capsule (ALC) of XFS and XFG. For this, RNA from ALC of XFS, XFG and control patients was subjected to miRNA array followed by validation of clinically important significantly expressed miRNAs and their targets by real-time PCR. Out of 44 differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-638 showed significant increase in expression in XFG samples as compared to XFS and control (p < 0.0001). SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2 (SOX2), potential gene target of miR-638, showed significant downregulation in XFG compared to control samples. Oxidative stress levels were also estimated by lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay, which showed significant increased oxidative stress in XFS and XFG samples. From this investigation we can conclude that miR-638 regulation of SOX2 along with disturbed oxidative-antioxidative balance might be involved in XFG pathophysiology.