miRNA or microRNA are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by repressing translation and degrading mRNAs. miRNA are involved in many critical biological processes and are implicated in the health and development of the eye.
Technology: Identifies miRNA201/211 as critical controllers of trans-epithelial electrical resistance, epithelial barrier-function, epithelial cell-differentiation, proliferation and migration with significant implication in disease.
Competitive Advantage: First functional information of miRNA enriched in human RPE and their direct targets. 204/211 identified as two most highly expressed miRNA. In vitro human fetal RPE data available. Potential in treatment of AMD, Proliferative Vitreal Retinopathy and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Intellectual Property: US Patents issued (US 8,455,454 and US 8,710,026). Technology available for co-development, non-exclusive/exclusive license consideration.
Fei E. Wang and Sheldon S. Miller et al. MicroRNA-204/211 alters epithelial physiology. FASEB J. 2010 May; 24 (5):1552-71.
References
- MicroRNA-204/211 alters epithelial physiology. Wang FE, Zhang C, Maminishkis A, Dong L, Zhi C, Li R, Zhao J, Majerciak V, Gaur AB, Chen S, Miller SS. FASEB J. 2010 May;24(5):1552-71
- Role for miR-204 in human pulmonary arterial hypertension. Courboulin A, Paulin R, Giguère NJ, Saksouk N, Perreault T, Meloche J, Paquet ER, Biardel S, Provencher S, Côté J, Simard MJ, Bonnet S. J Exp Med. 2011 Mar 14;208(3):535-48.
- miR-204 is required for lens and retinal development via Meis2 targeting. Conte I, Carrella S, Avellino R, Karali M, Marco-Ferreres R, Bovolenta P, Banfi S. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Aug 31;107(35):15491-6
- Characterizing light-regulated retinal microRNAs reveals rapid turnover as a common property of neuronal microRNAs. Krol J, Busskamp V, Markiewicz I, Stadler MB, Ribi S, Richter J, Duebel J, Bicker S, Fehling HJ, Schübeler D, Oertner TG, Schratt G, Bibel M, Roska B, Filipowicz W. Cell. 2010 May 14;141(4):618-31