Publication: microRNA-124 in retinal degeneration
Congratulations to Josh and Riccardo for their recent publication accepted into Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. You can see the paper in its entirety here:
MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is one of the most abundant miRNA found in neurons with the ability to regulate inflammatory pathways. It has been implicated in a number of complex neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). In this study, we confirmed that miR-124 directly negatively regulates Chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) which is a pro-inflammatory chemokine, signalling molecule. We have found miR-124 to be down-regulated with AMD, with a translocation from photoreceptor cells to Muller cells, early in damage in our photo-oxidative damage model in mice. Intravitreally injecting miR-124 mimic as a supplement to the retina decreased inflammation, cell death, and most importantly rescued visual function.
Figure. In situ hybridisation of miR-124 staining in the mouse retina before and during photo-oxidative damage.