MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are essential key players in the control of biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. miRNAs play important roles in fine tuning the expression of many genes, which often have roles in common molecular networks. miRNA dysregulation thus renders cells vulnerable to aberrant fluctuations in genes, resulting in degenerative diseases. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of polarized pigmented epithelial cells that resides between the light-sensitive photoreceptors (PR) and the choriocapillaris. The demanding physiological functions of RPE cells require precise gene regulation for the maintenance of retinal homeostasis under stress conditions and the preservation of vision. Thus far, our understanding of how miRNAs function in the homeostasis and maintenance of the RPE has been poorly addressed, and advancing our knowledge is central to harnessing their potential as therapeutic agents to counteract visual impairment. This review focuses on the emerging roles of miRNAs in the function and health of the RPE and on the future exploration of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to counteract blinding diseases.

MicroRNA (miRNA) 是一类非编码 RNA，在生理和病理条件下的生物过程控制中发挥着重要作用。 miRNA 在微调许多基因的表达方面发挥着重要作用，这些基因通常在常见的分子网络中发挥作用。因此，miRNA 失调使细胞容易受到基因异常波动的影响，从而导致退行性疾病。视网膜色素上皮 (RPE) 是单层偏振色素上皮细胞，位于感光感光器 (PR) 和脉络膜毛细血管之间。 RPE 细胞的生理功能要求严格，需要精确的基因调控，以维持应激条件下的视网膜稳态和保护视力。到目前为止，我们对 miRNA 如何在 RPE 稳态和维持中发挥作用的理解还很少，而提高我们的知识对于利用它们作为治疗剂来对抗视力障碍的潜力至关重要。本综述重点关注 miRNA 在 RPE 功能和健康中的新兴作用，以及基于 miRNA 的治疗方法对抗致盲疾病的未来探索。