MicroRNAs and the HIF/VEGF axis in ocular neovascular diseases

Ocular neovascular diseases, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, are the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. The hypoxia-inducible factors and vascular endothelial growth factors are key molecular promoters of ocular neovascularization. Moreover, the role of microRNAs as regulators of angiogenesis has been expanding, particularly hypoxia-associated microRNA; hypoxamiRs. This review provides a summary of hypoxamiRs that directly and specifically target HIF1A and VEGF mRNAs, thus critically involved in the regulation of ocular neovascular pathologies. The discussed microRNAs highlight putative diagnostic markers and therapeutic agents in choroidal and retinal angiogenic diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.