Regulation Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Secretion From Scleral Fibroblasts And Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells By MiR-29a

PurposeTo 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-29 a.MethodsThe effects of miR-29 a 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-29 a 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-29 a mimics or inhibitor.ResultsThe miR-29 a mimics or inhibitor did not significantly alter the growth of scleral fibroblasts or RPE cells at 24,48,or 72 hours after transfection.Quantitative PCR analyses showed that MMP-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells transfected with the miR-29 a mimics.MMP-2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells transfected with the miR-29 a inhibitor.The secretion of MMP-2 by scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells was significantly decreased in cells transfected with the miR-29 a mimics and was significantly increased in cells transfected with the miR-29 a inhibitor.ConclusionsSuppression of scleral fibroblast and RPE cell expression and secretion of MMP-2 by miR-29 a can be used as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of myopia.