Tear Film MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers: A Review

Jeremy Altman, Garrett Jones, Saleh Ahmed, Shruti Sharma, Ashok Sharma

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that serve as regulatory molecules in a variety of pathways such as inflammation, metabolism, homeostasis, cell machinery, and development. With the progression of sequencing methods and modern bioinformatics tools, novel roles of microRNAs in regulatory mechanisms and pathophysiological states continue to expand. Advances in detection methods have further enabled larger adoption of studies utilizing minimal sample volumes, allowing the analysis of microRNAs in low-volume biofluids, such as the aqueous humor and tear fluid. The reported abundance of extracellular microRNAs in these biofluids has prompted studies to explore their biomarker potential. This review compiles the current literature reporting microRNAs in human tear fluid and their association with ocular diseases including dry eye disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, keratitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy, as well as non-ocular diseases, including Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. We also summarize the known roles of these microRNAs and shed light on the future progression of this field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number3694
JournalInternational journal of molecular sciences
Volume24
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • Alzheimer’s and breast cancer
  • biomarker
  • microRNA
  • ocular diseases
  • tear film

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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