Expression Profiling Analysis Reveals Key MicroRNA–mRNA Interactions in Early Retinal Degeneration in Retinitis Pigmentosa

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) that might play an important role in the etiology of retinal degeneration in a genetic mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (rd10 mice) at initial stages of the disease. METHODS: miRNAs–mRNA interaction networks were generated for analysis of biological pathways involved in retinal degeneration. RESULTS: Of more than 1900 miRNAs analyzed, we selected 19 miRNAs on the basis of (1) a significant differential expression in rd10 retinas compared with control samples and (2) an inverse expression relationship with predicted mRNA targets involved in biological pathways relevant to retinal biology and/or degeneration. Seven of the selected miRNAs have been associated with retinal dystrophies, whereas, to our knowledge, nine have not been previously linked to any disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to our understanding of the etiology and progression of retinal degeneration.