The Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Cataract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a large class of transcripts lacking evident protein coding potential, and play versatile roles in a diverse range of physiological and pathological processes. Mounting evidences have indicated that ncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in a wealth of diseases such as cataract. Cataract is a cloudy lens caused by radiation, age, drugs and other factors. NcRNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, have been identified to regulate the occurrence and development of cataract. Current studies indicate that ncRNAs exert the multifaceted functions in the lens of cataract patients and have been proved as potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cataracts. This review summarizes the study of relationship between the lens and ncRNAs, which can provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of cataract.