Purpose: MicroRNAs are small, endogenous noncoding RNAs that modulate posttranscriptional gene expression. Although the contribution of microRNAs to the pathogenesis of @entity16 is unknown, supporting evidence from central nervous system (CNS) research suggests they may play a role. It was therefore hypothesized that microRNAs known to be altered in CNS injury are also altered in experimental @entity726 . Methods: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated in @entity35 by unilateral injection of hypertonic saline and IOP monitored for 5 weeks. After @entity35 were killed, retrobulbar optic nerve sections were graded for damage. MicroRNA was extracted from whole retinae of eyes with @entity16 (n = 8) and from normal, noninjected control eyes (n = 8). Quantitative PCRs were performed using a panel of 17 microRNAs, reported from CNS research to be implicated in mechanisms also linked to @entity16 . Computationally and experimentally derived gene targets were identified for the differentially expressed microRNAs. These were then integrated with existing gene array data. Functional interpretation was performed using the Molecular Signatures Database and DAVID Functional Annotation Clustering. Results: Eight microRNAs were significantly downregulated in @entity2788 compared with controls ( @entity69950 , @entity69951 , @entity69952 , let-7a, miR-29b, @entity52629 , @entity69953 , and @entity69954 ); @entity69955 was significantly upregulated. Enrichment of targets associated with extracellular matrix/cell proliferation, immune system, and regulation of apoptosis were observed. @entity165 homeostasis and @entity13407 pathways showed reduced expression. Conclusions: MicroRNAs are differentially expressed in retinae of eyes with advanced @entity16 compared with normal controls. Integrating microRNA with gene expression data may improve understanding of the complex biological responses produced by chronically elevated IOP.

MicroRNA Expression in the XXXX .

@entity52629 :: ('100313997(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR-16'] @entity69955 :: ('100314006(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR-27a'] @entity16 :: ('MESH:D009422', 'Disease') :: ['advanced nerve damage', 'glaucomatous damage'] @entity726 :: ('MESH:D005901', 'Disease') :: ['glaucoma'] @entity69950 :: ('100314242(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR-181c'] @entity13407 :: ('382056(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['mTORC-1'] @entity2788 :: ('MESH:D015785', 'Disease') :: ['glaucomatous retinae'] @entity69953 :: ('100314235(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR106b'] @entity69954 :: ('100314004(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR-25'] @entity69952 :: ('100314051(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR-204'] @entity35 :: ('10116', 'Species') :: ['rats'] @entity69951 :: ('100314259(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['miR-497'] @entity165 :: ('MESH:D002784', 'Chemical') :: ['Cholesterol']
@entity2788 :: (MESH:D015785,Disease) :: ['Glaucomatous Retina']
