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
We are seeking a talented and motivated candidate to join our research team. Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind retinal development and disease using human pluripotent stem cells. We specialize in creating retinal organoids, “eye-like” organoids, and other retinal cell types to model eye development and associated disorders, with a particular interest in photoreceptor biology.
