Therapeutic Targeting Of Lncrnas In Age-Related Ocular Disease
Our bodies contain many types of molecules that play vital roles in keeping us healthy. Among these are long non-coding RNAs, or lncRNAs for short. Unlike some other genetic molecules that provide instructions for making proteins, lncRNAs act more like regulators, influencing how our genes are turned on or off (gene regulation) and controlling various cellular processes to maintain balance (cellular homeostasis). They even play a part in epigenetic control, which is how our genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
Recent research highlights the significant involvement of these lncRNAs in common age-related eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (which affects central vision), cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens), and glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve). Scientists have found that lncRNAs can influence key biological processes in the eye, including oxidative stress (damage from unstable molecules), inflammation (the body’s immune response), angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels, often problematic in eye disease), apoptosis (programmed cell death), and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (the support structure around cells).
Because of their widespread influence, lncRNAs are now seen as promising tools. They could serve as “biomarkers,” which are indicators that help diagnose diseases earlier or predict how they might progress. More excitingly, they are being explored as “therapeutic targets,” meaning that developing treatments that specifically adjust the activity of certain lncRNAs could offer new ways to prevent or treat these debilitating eye diseases. This understanding could pave the way for more personalized medicine strategies, ultimately helping older individuals maintain their vision.
Source: link to paper