Senescence-associated LncRNA PINT influences the development of age-related cataracts through epigenetic modifications

  Objective  To investigate the effect of senescence-associated long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) PINT on the development of age-related cataract (ARC).

  Methods  The expression of aging-related LncRNAs was determined by collecting epithelial cells from different types of ARC and clear lens, and the differentiated expression aging-related LncRNA PINT was screened by comparing the ARC group with the control group. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of LncRNA PINT in the lens epithelial cells of the ARC group and the control group. Microarray assays was used to identify potential LncRNA PINT target genes, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) was used to verify the status of LncRNA PINT target gene candidates. Oxidative damage/aging model and overexpression/knockdown model were established to detect the expression levels of LncRNA PINT and related target genes, cellular antioxidant damage capacity, cell proliferation and apoptosis.

  Results  The expression level of LncRNA PINT in ARC group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The expression level of LncRNA PINT in oxidative damage/aging model was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). In knockdown model, the expression level of LncRNA PINT related target genes was significantly increased, and the antioxidant capacity of lens epithelial cells was enhanced (P < 0.05). In the overexpression model, lens epithelial cells showed decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Changes in expression of senescence-associated LncRNAs may affect aging and senile disease formation in the organism through epigenetic modifications, which are associated with the development of ARC.