CASC15 Promotes Lens Epithelial Cell Apoptosis in Age-Related Cataracts by Regulating MiR-139-5p/caspase-3

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the role of CASC15 and miR-139-5p function in regulating agerelated cataracts (ARC). Methods: The expression of CASC15, miR-139-5p and caspase-3 were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to analyze the level of apoptosis-related proteins. Flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptosis of SAR01/04l cells treated with UV irradiation. Results: The expression of CASC15 and caspase-3 in the lens of ARC was higher than that in normal lens, but the expression of miR-139-5p had opposite trend. The level of caspase-3 and Bax were increased and Bcl-2 was decreased in ARC group. In addition, CASC15 negatively regulated miR-139-5p expression and promoted SAR01/04l cell apoptosis. CASC15 could combine with miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p could combine with caspase-3 3’-UTR. Furthermore, pcDNA-caspase-3 could reverse the inhibitory effect of si-CASC15 and miR139-5p mimic on SRA01/04 cell apoptosis. Conclusion: CASC15 promoted lens epithelial cell apoptosis by regulating miR-139-5p/caspase-3. Keywords: ARC; CASC15; LECs apoptosis; miR-139-5p