MicroRNA Signatures of the Developing Primate Fovea

• DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654385
• Publication Date: 2021-04-08T04:51:24Z
• Authors: Elizabeth S. Fishman; Mikaela Louie; Adam M. Miltner; Simranjeet K. Cheema; Joanna Wong; Nicholas M. Schla...; Ala Moshiri; Sergi Simó; Alice F. Tarantal; Anna La Torre
• Keywords: Fovea centralis

Rod and cone photoreceptors differ in their shape, photopigment expression, synaptic connection patterns, light sensitivity, distribution across the retina. Although rods greatly outnumber cones, human vision is mostly dependent on since cones are essential for our sharp visual acuity color discrimination. In humans other primates, fovea centralis (fovea), a specialized region of central retina, contains highest density cones. Despite vast importance vision, molecular mechanisms guiding development this largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) small post-transcriptional regulators known to orchestrate developmental transitions cell fate specification Here, we have characterized transcriptional landscape developing rhesus monkey Our data indicates that non-human primate significantly accelerated compared equivalent retinal at side optic nerve head, as described previously. Notably, also identify several miRNAs differentially expressed presumptive fovea, including miR-15b-5p, miR-342-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-103-3p, miR-93-5p well miRNA cluster miR-183/-96/-182. Interestingly, miR-342-5p enriched nasal retina peripheral mouse while miR-15b temporal increases over time central-to-periphery gradient. Together constitutes first characterization miRNome provides novel datasets attain more comprehensive understanding foveal development.