151
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Sharma S, Eghbali M. Influence of sex differences on microRNA gene regulation in disease. Biol Sex Differ 2014; 5:3. [PMID: 24484532 PMCID: PMC3912347 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-5-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is observed in most human diseases. The difference in the physiology and genetics between sexes can contribute tremendously to the disease prevalence, severity, and outcome. Both hormonal and genetic differences between males and females can lead to differences in gene expression patterns that can influence disease risk and course. MicroRNAs have emerged as potential regulatory molecules in all organisms. They can have a broad effect on every aspect of physiology, including embryogenesis, metabolism, and growth and development. Numerous microRNAs have been identified and elucidated to play a key role in cardiovascular diseases, as well as in neurological and autoimmune disorders. This is especially important as microRNA-based tools can be exploited as beneficial therapies for disease treatment and prevention. Sex steroid hormones as well as X-linked genes can have a considerable influence on the regulation of microRNAs. However, there are very few studies highlighting the role of microRNAs in sex biased diseases. This review attempts to summarize differentially regulated microRNAs in males versus females in different diseases and calls for more attention in this underexplored area that should set the basis for more effective therapeutic strategies for sexually dimorphic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mansoureh Eghbali
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Molecular Medicine, and Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, BH-160CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7115, USA.
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152
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Gonzalez P, Li G, Qiu J, Wu J, Luna C. Role of microRNAs in the trabecular meshwork. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2014; 30:128-37. [PMID: 24383444 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2013.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now recognized as important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. MiRNAs are known to modulate cellular functions relevant to the normal and pathological physiology of the trabecular meshwork (TM) such as cell contraction and extracellular matrix turnover. There is also increasing evidence supporting the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, and their potential value as both biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets. However, compared with other tissues, our current knowledge regarding the roles played by miRNAs in the TM is still very limited. Here, we review the information currently available about miRNAs in the TM and discuss the main challenges and opportunities to incorporate the rapid progress in miRNA biology to the understanding of the normal and pathological physiology of the TM, and to develop novel clinical applications for diagnosis and therapy of high intraocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Gonzalez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
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153
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Dysregulated microRNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis microglia modulate genes linked to neuroinflammation. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e959. [PMID: 24336079 PMCID: PMC3877562 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and are key modulators of immune system, whose dysfunction contributes to the progression of neuroinflammatory diseaseas such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most widespread motor neuron disorder. ALS is a non-cell-autonomous disease targeting motor neurons and neighboring glia, with microgliosis directly contributing to neurodegeneration. As limited information exists on miRNAs dysregulations in ALS, we examined this topic in primary microglia from superoxide dismutase 1-G93A mouse model. We compared miRNAs transcriptional profiling of non-transgenic and ALS microglia in resting conditions and after inflammatory activation by P2X7 receptor agonist. We identified upregulation of selected immune-enriched miRNAs, recognizing miR-22, miR-155, miR-125b and miR-146b among the most highly modulated. We proved that miR-365 and miR-125b interfere, respectively, with the interleukin-6 and STAT3 pathway determining increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) transcription. As TNFα directly upregulated miR-125b, and inhibitors of miR-365/miR-125b reduced TNFα transcription, we recognized the induction of miR-365 and miR-125b as a vicious gateway culminating in abnormal TNFα release. These results strengthen the impact of miRNAs in modulating inflammatory genes linked to ALS and identify specific miRNAs as pathogenetic mechanisms in the disease.
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154
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Thounaojam MC, Kaushik DK, Kundu K, Basu A. MicroRNA-29b modulates Japanese encephalitis virus-induced microglia activation by targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3. J Neurochem 2013; 129:143-54. [PMID: 24236890 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus, is the leading cause of encephalitis in Asia. Microglial activation is one of the key events in JEV-induced neuroinflammation. Although the various microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to regulate microglia activation during pathological conditions including neuroviral infections, till date, the involvement of miRNAs in JEV infection has not been evaluated. Hence, we sought to evaluate the possible role of miRNAs in mediating JEV-induced microglia activation. Initial screening revealed significant up-regulation of miR-29b in JEV-infected mouse microglial cell line (BV-2) and primary microglial cells. Furthermore, using bioinformatics tools, we identified tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3, a negative regulator of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling as a potential target of miR-29b. Interestingly, in vitro knockdown of miR-29b resulted in significant over-expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3, and subsequent decrease in nuclear translocation of pNF-κB. JEV infection in BV-2 cell line elevated inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels, which diminished after miR-29b knockdown. Collectively, our study demonstrates involvement of miR-29b in regulating JEV- induced microglial activation.
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155
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Ma L, Wei L, Wu F, Hu Z, Liu Z, Yuan W. Advances with microRNAs in Parkinson's disease research. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2013; 7:1103-13. [PMID: 24109179 PMCID: PMC3792848 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s48500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder and is caused by severe degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Unfortunately, current treatment only targets symptoms and involves dopamine replacement therapy, which does not counteract progressive degeneration. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNA molecules implicated in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during development. Recent studies show that miRNAs are playing an important role in the pathophysiology of PD. miRNA-based therapy is a powerful tool with which to study gene function, investigate the mechanism of the disease, and validate drug targets. In this review, we focus on the recent advances of the use of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China ; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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156
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Dorval V, Nelson PT, Hébert SS. Circulating microRNAs in Alzheimer's disease: the search for novel biomarkers. Front Mol Neurosci 2013; 6:24. [PMID: 24009553 PMCID: PMC3757537 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2013.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly. While advancements have been made in understanding the genetic and molecular basis of AD, the clinical diagnosis of AD remains difficult, and post-mortem confirmation is often required. Furthermore, the onset of neurodegeneration precedes clinical symptoms by approximately a decade. Consequently, there is a crucial need for an early and accurate diagnosis of AD, which can potentially lead to strategies that can slow down or stop the progression of neurodegeneration and dementia. Recent advances in the non-coding RNA field have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) can function as powerful biomarkers in human diseases. Studies are emerging suggesting that circulating miRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum have characteristic changes in AD patients. Whether miRNAs can be used in AD diagnosis, alone or in combination with other AD biomarkers (e.g., amyloid and tau), warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Dorval
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval), Québec QC, Canada ; Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec QC, Canada
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157
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Llorens F, Ferrer I, del Río JA. Gene expression resulting from PrPC ablation and PrPC overexpression in murine and cellular models. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:413-23. [PMID: 23949728 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) plays a key role in prion diseases when it converts to the pathogenic form scrapie prion protein. Increasing knowledge of its participation in prion infection contrasts with the elusive and controversial data regarding its physiological role probably related to its pleiotropy, cell-specific functions, and cellular-specific milieu. Multiple approaches have been made to the increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms and cellular functions modulated by PrP(C) at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Gene expression analyses have been made in several mouse and cellular models with regulated expression of PrP(C) resulting in PrP(C) ablation or PrP(C) overexpression. These analyses support previous functional data and have yielded clues about new potential functions. However, experiments on animal models have shown moderate and varied results which are difficult to interpret. Moreover, studies in cell cultures correlate little with in vivo counterparts. Yet, both animal and cell models have provided some insights on how to proceed in the future by using more refined methods and selected functional experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Llorens
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain,
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158
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Bicchi I, Morena F, Montesano S, Polidoro M, Martino S. MicroRNAs and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration. Genes (Basel) 2013; 4:244-63. [PMID: 24705162 PMCID: PMC3899972 DOI: 10.3390/genes4020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few years microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key mediators of post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs targets, identified through gene expression profiling and studies in animal models, depict a scenario where miRNAs are fine-tuning metabolic pathways and genetic networks in both plants and animals. MiRNAs have shown to be differentially expressed in brain areas and alterations of miRNAs homeostasis have been recently correlated to pathological conditions of the nervous system, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Here, we review and discuss the most recent insights into the involvement of miRNAs in the neurodegenerative mechanisms and their correlation with significant neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bicchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simona Montesano
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mario Polidoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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159
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Banzhaf-Strathmann J, Claus R, Mücke O, Rentzsch K, van der Zee J, Engelborghs S, De Deyn PP, Cruts M, van Broeckhoven C, Plass C, Edbauer D. Promoter DNA methylation regulates progranulin expression and is altered in FTLD. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2013; 1:16. [PMID: 24252647 PMCID: PMC3893557 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-1-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases associated with personality changes and progressive dementia. Loss-of-function mutations in the growth factor progranulin (GRN) cause autosomal dominant FTLD, but so far the pathomechanism of sporadic FTLD is unclear. Results We analyzed whether DNA methylation in the GRN core promoter restricts GRN expression and, thus, might promote FTLD in the absence of GRN mutations. GRN expression in human lymphoblast cell lines is negatively correlated with methylation at several CpG units within the GRN promoter. Chronic treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) strongly induces GRN mRNA and protein levels. In a reporter assay, CpG methylation blocks transcriptional activity of the GRN core promoter. In brains of FTLD patients several CpG units in the GRN promoter are significantly hypermethylated compared to age-matched healthy controls, Alzheimer and Parkinson patients. These CpG motifs are critical for GRN promoter activity in reporter assays. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) is upregulated in FTLD patients and overexpression of DNMT3a reduces GRN promoter activity and expression. Conclusion These data suggest that altered DNA methylation is a novel pathomechanism for FTLD that is potentially amenable to targeted pharmacotherapy.
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160
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Luhur A, Chawla G, Sokol NS. MicroRNAs as Components of Systemic Signaling Pathways in Drosophila melanogaster. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 105:97-123. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-396968-2.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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161
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Wang F, Gelernter J, Zhang H. Differential Expression of miR-130a in Postmortem Prefrontal Cortex of Subjects with Alcohol Use Disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 4. [PMID: 25383235 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6105.1000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that neuroadaptations to alcohol may result from chronic alcohol consumption-induced expression changes of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes. Studies with animal or cell culture models have demonstrated that ethanol exposure leads to miRNA expression alterations. However, there is limited information on miRNA expression in the brains of subjects with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The present study aimed to analyze expression changes of miRNAs and their target genes in postmortem prefrontal cortex (PFC) of AUD subjects. METHODS Genome-wide miRNA and mRNA expression was examined in postmortem PFC of 23 European Australia AUD cases and 23 matched controls using the Illumina HumanHT-12 v4 Expression BeadChip array, which targets 43,270 coding transcripts and 3,961 non-coding transcripts (including 574 miRNA transcripts). Multiple linear regression analysis and permutation test were performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their target mRNAs. Target gene prediction, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GESA), and DAVID functional annotation clustering analysis were applied to identify AUD-associated gene sets and biological modules. RESULTS Two miRNAs and 787 coding genes were differentially expressed in the PFC of AUD cases [miR-130a (downregulated): Ppermutation=0.023, miR-604 (upregulated): Ppermutation=0.019, coding genes: 1.6×10-5≤Ppermutation≤0.05; but all P values did not survive multiple-testing correction]. GESA showed that the 202 predicted target genes of miR-130a were highly enriched in differentially expressed genes (Pnominal<0.001), but not the 116 predicted target genes of miR-604 (Pnominal=0.404). DAVID functional clustering further revealed that the hub target genes (e.g., ITPR2 and ATP1A2) of miRNA130a were mainly responsible for regulating ion channel function. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that downregulation of miR-130a may lead to altered expression of a number of genes in the PFC of AUD subjects. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in replication samples and other reward-related brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA ; VA Medical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA ; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA ; Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA ; VA Medical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA ; VA Medical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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