Here we employed retinal organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells as a tool to closely investigate light-regulated miRNAs in the human retina. We developed a device capable of photostimulating retinal organoids using various intensities and wavelengths of light. By utilizing this device, we photostimulated retinal organoids and identified 51 light-regulated miRNAs. Further analysis revealed that these miRNAs exhibited a rapid turnover and differential responses to distinct wavelengths of light. Our findings indicate that human retinal organoids represent a valuable tool for studying lightregulated miRNAs and open new avenues for research on novel light-regulated miRNA targets, the adaptation of the human retina to light, and the regulation of lightregulated circadian rhythms in humans.
Link to study: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.10.528054v1
Follow our latest research in this year Abstract Book from the "3rd Offsite Meeting of ÚHE: Advancing Science and Cooperation" that was held in Pavlov, Czech Republic, June 4–6th, 2025!
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, yet despite significant advancements in ophthalmology and diabetes research, there is still much to uncover about its early onset and progression. Traditionally viewed as a vascular disease, recent studies—including ours—suggest that neurodegeneration may occur even before vascular damage. But what exactly happens at a cellular and molecular level when the retina is exposed to high glucose?
