1.The underlying mechanisms of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). PVR is a main complication of primary retinal detachment surgery and prevents the successful surgical repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Uncontrolled proliferation and migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells are the main pathological process of PVR. RPE cells migrate out into the vitreous and form fibrotic membranes. These membranes contract and pull at the retina and lead to retinal detachment. Prevent these pathological processes can inhibit the occurrence and progress of PVR. We found that miR-34a, LGR4, c-Met and other molecules play important roles in the regulation of proliferation, migration and adhesion of RPE cells. We are investigating the underlying mechanisms and potential application of these molecules.

2.Function of microRNAs (miRNA) in eye diseases. miRNAs are non-protein-coding short nucleotide RNAs that regulate expression of a lot of genes. MiRNAs have been proven regulating many critical biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, development and tumorigenesis. We found several miRNAs can regulate the proliferation and migration of RPE and uveal melanoma cells. Detailed mechanisms are under investigating. Our results will shed new insights into the understanding of PVR and eye tumors, and provide potential targets for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.