Long non‐coding RNA s in ocular diseases: new and potential therapeutic targets

Long non‐coding RNAs (lnc RNA s) are non‐protein coding transcripts containing more than 200 nucleotides. In the past, lnc RNA s were considered as ‘transcript noise’ or ‘pseudogenes’ and were thus ignored. However, in recent years, lnc RNA s have been proven to regulate gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional and translational level, and thereby influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, viability, immune response and oxidative stress. Furthermore, increasing evidence points to their involvement in different diseases, including cancer and heart diseases. Recently, lnc RNA s were shown to be differentially expressed in ocular tissues and play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ophthalmological disorders such as glaucoma, corneal diseases, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and ocular tumors. In this review, we summarize the classification and mechanisms of known lnc RNA s, while detailing their biological functions and roles in ocular diseases. Moreover, we provide a concise review of the clinical relevance of lnc RNA s as novel, potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of eye diseases.