MiR-93-5p targeting PTEN regulates the NMDA-induced autophagy of retinal ganglion cells via AKT/mTOR pathway in glaucoma

Background: Glaucoma is hallmarked with the death of retinal neurons in the ganglion cell layer, which results in irreversible vision loss. The abnormal levels of miRNA have been associated with glaucoma. Our study purposed to explore the underlying molecule mechanism of miR-93-5p in NMDA-induced glaucoma. Methods: The Sprague-Dawley ( SD) rats were used for the establishment of glaucoma model with the injection of NMDA. Vision behavior test were performed on the glaucoma rats. MiR-93-5p expression was determined by real-time PCR. The levels of autophagy-related protein and PTEN were assessed by Western blot assays. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were performed to analyze cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, respectively. And cell viability was examined by CKK-8 assay. The relationship between miR-93-5p and PTEN was confirmed by DualLuciferase reporter gene system. Results: NMDA-induced glaucoma rats exhibited less time in the dark box, suggesting the recession of their vision. Moreover, the retinal ganglion cell ( RGC) viability was reduced not only in the glaucoma rat models but also in the glaucoma RGC models. The autophagy-related protein was obviously increased in the NMDA-treated rats or RGCs. PTEN regulated the autophagy of RGCs through AKT/mTOR pathway in NMDA-treated RGCs. MiR93-5p could target regulate PTEN negatively, and exhibit the similar effect of 3-MA on the survival of RGCs. Conclusion: Up-regulation of miR-93-5p binding with PTEN suppressed the autophagy of RGCs through AKT/mTOR pathway in NMDA-induced glaucoma.