MiR-30a inhibits BECN1-mediated autophagy in diabetic cataract

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of microRNAs in the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis in lens epithelial cells (LECs) during diabetic cataract formation. METHODS: A miRNA microarray study and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to identify the expression of miRNAs in LECs of diabetic cataract. Human LECs were cultured in high glucose conditions as a diabetic cataract model. BECN1 and LC3B were detected by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. The extent of apoptosis was measured using FACSCalibur flow cytometry. RESULTS: Downregulation of miR-30a was identified in LECs attached to diabetic cataract tissues. By the bioinformatic assay and the luciferase activity assay, BECN1 was found to be a direct target of miR-30a. MiR-30a reduced the BECN1-mediated autophagy activity induced by high glucose in LECs in vitro. The ratio of LECs apoptosis was also decreased. CONCLUSION: MiR-30a was involved in the inhibition of autophagy by targeting BECN1 in LECs in human diabetic cataract.