lncRNA TUG1 regulates Smac/DIABLO expression by competitively inhibiting miR-29b and modulates the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in age-related cataracts.

lncRNA TUG1 increases Smac expression and promotes apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in ARC by competitively inhibiting miR-29b. This mechanism is the cytological basis for ARC formation. Based on these results, the lncRNA TUG1/miR29b/Smac axis may be a new molecular pathway that regulates ARC development.