microRNA profiling in the aqueous humor of highly myopic eyes using next generation sequencing

To characterize microRNAs (miRNAs) and their possible roles in high myopia by using next generation sequencing. Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 25 highly myopic eyes and 25 cataract eyes at the onset of surgery. miRNA next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were performed using RNA extracted from 30 samples. The remaining 20 samples were used for quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation of sequencing results. A total of 341 microRNAs were detected in the aqueous humor samples of highly myopic eyes; 201 miRNAs were detected in the aqueous humor samples of cataractous control eyes. A total of 249 mature miRNAs and 17 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed during myopia. Possible pathways regulated by these aberrantly expressed miRNAs included the TNF, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. The relative expression patterns of hsa-let-7i-5p, hsa-miR-127–3p, and hsa-miR-98–5p were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The current study provided an overall view of miRNA profiling in the aqueous humor of highly myopic eyes. These profiles may be associated with myopia pathogenesis, and are potential biomarkers.