Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Secretion from Scleral Fibroblasts and Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells by miR-29a

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To identify an effective method to prevent myopia progression by characterizing the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 expression and its secretion from scleral fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells by miR-29a.

Methods.

The effects of miR-29a on the growth of scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8.

The changes in MMP-2 mRNA levels in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells after transfection with miR-29a mimics or inhibitor were measured by quantitative PCR.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the changes in MMP-2 secretion from scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells after transfection with miR-29a mimics or inhibitor.

Results.

The miR-29a mimics or inhibitor did not significantly alter the growth of scleral fibroblasts or RPE cells at 24, 48, or 72 hours after transfection.

MMP-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells transfected with the miR-29a mimics.

The secretion of MMP-2 by scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells was significantly decreased in cells transfected with the miR-29a mimics.

Conclusions.

Suppression of scleral fibroblast and RPE cell expression and secretion of MMP-2 by miR-29a can be used as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of myopia.