MiR-6837-3p protected retinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress by targeting E2F6 Running Title：MiR-6837-3p Protected retinal cells

Abstract Aim The mechanism of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex illness that is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of miR-6837-3p in retinal epithelial cells. Methods MiR inhibitors and mimics were used to inhibit or overexpress miR-6837-3p in H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells, respectively. Then, CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays were conducted to assess the effects of miR-6837-3p on the behaviors of ARPE-19 cells, including cell growth, apoptosis, cycle progression, and migration. Finally, microRNA database prediction and luciferase reporter assays were used to demonstrate that miR-6837-3p targets the downstream gene E2F6. Results Overexpression of miR-6837-3p increased cell viability and suppressed apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells treated with H2O2. Meanwhile, increased miR-6837-3p promotes cell cycle progression and cell migration of ARPE-19 cells. Finally, miR-6837-3p binds to E2F6 to inhibit its expression and regulates the expression of the apoptosis indicator caspase3 in ARPE-19 cells. Conclusions The MiR-6837-3p/E2F6 axis might be a target for the treatment of AMD to improve ARPE-19 cell function.