miR-182 and Trabecular Meshwork Dysfunction in High Tension Glaucoma

Project Summary

Our goal is to study how a short RNA molecule called microRNA-182 (miR-182) may affect the exit of the clear liquid in the front part of human eyes (i.e., aqueous humor). Our preliminary studies have indicated that elevated expression of miR-182 may be associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with high eye pressure. First, using human ocular cells derived from eye tissue, we will study how the increased expression of miR-182 affects the cellular functions related to the exit of aqueous humor. We will use high throughput RNA sequencing to identify the potential targets of miR-182 in these cells since these targets may play a role in POAG. Second, we will study how the increased expression of miR-182 may affect the secretion of nanoparticles known as exosomes from human ocular cells. We will characterize any potential alterations in the contents of these secreted exosomes, which are secreted directly into the aqueous humor. This project applies an integrative approach by combining multiple experimental technologies to examine the secretion of nanoparticles from glaucoma-related human cells. Successful completion of this comprehensive study will further reveal the role of miR-182 in glaucoma pathogenesis and may provide therapeutic targets for this common eye disorder.