Cell-surface glycoRNAs: From systemic biology to new perspectives on ocular function and disease

The discovery of glycosylated RNAs (glycoRNAs) on the surface of living cells has introduced a novel paradigm in RNA biology, redefining long-held assumptions about the localization and function of extracellular RNA. These structurally unique molecules, identified through advanced technologies and imaging, are increasingly recognized as mediators of cell-cell communication, immune recognition, and cellular homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of glycoRNAs, with particular emphasis on their potential relevance to ocular homeostasis and the possible involvement of glycoRNAs in a range of ocular diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, degenerative retinal diseases, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and neoplasms. We further discuss the prospects of glycoRNA-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, while highlighting critical challenges in detection, functional validation, and mechanistic elucidation. A deeper understanding of glycoRNA biology in the ocular system may not only uncover new layers of regulatory complexity but also open translational avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases.