The present invention provides microRNA mimetic compounds that mimic the function or activity of miR-96, miR-182, and/or miR-183. The microRNA mimetic compounds of the invention comprise a first strand of about (22) to about (26) ribonucleotides comprising a mature miR-96, miR-182, or miR-183 sequence； and a second strand of about (20) to about (24) ribonucleotides comprising a sequence that is substantially complementary to the first strand and having at least one modified nucleotide, wherein the first strand has a 3′ nucleotide overhang relative to the second strand. The invention additionally provides expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide(s) encoding one or more of miR-96, miR-182, and miR-183. The invention also provides methods of treating ophthalmological or otic conditions by administering the microRNA mimetic compounds of miR-96, miR-182, and/or miR-183 and/or an expression vector encoding at least one of miR-96, miR-182, and miR-183 to a subject in need thereof.
