MicroRNAs in CNS injury: potential roles and therapeutic implications

Remodeling of astrocyte secretome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: uncovering novel targets to combat astrocyte-mediated toxicity

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset paralytic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Motor neuron degeneration is typically caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal (cell autonomous) defects as well as extrinsic (non-cell autonomous) factors such as astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Astrocytes are highly plastic cells that react to their microenvironment to mediate relevant responses. In neurodegeneration, astrocytes often turn reactive and in turn secrete a slew of factors to exert pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Various efforts have been carried out to characterize the diseased astrocyte secretome over the years, revealing that pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and microRNAs are the main players in mediating neuronal death. As metabolomic technologies mature, these studies begin to shed light on neurotoxic metabolites such as secreted lipids. In this focused review, we will discuss changes in the astrocyte secretome during ALS. In particular, we will discuss the components of the reactive astrocyte secretome that contribute to neuronal death in ALS.

Systematic Review of the Diagnostic and Clinical Utility of Salivary microRNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an urgent priority, as there are currently no TBI biomarkers to assess the severity of injury, to predict outcomes, and to monitor recovery. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) including microRNAs can be measured in saliva following TBI and have been investigated as potential diagnostic markers. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the diagnostic or prognostic ability of microRNAs extracted from saliva in human subjects. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies that examined the association of saliva microRNAs in TBI. Original studies of any design involving diagnostic capacity of salivary microRNAs for TBI were selected for data extraction. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, with a heterogeneous population involving athletes and hospital patients, children and adults. The studies identified a total of 188 differentially expressed microRNAs, with 30 detected in multiple studies. MicroRNAs in multiple studies involved expression change bidirectionality. The study design and methods involved significant heterogeneity that precluded meta-analysis. Early data indicates salivary microRNAs may assist with TBI diagnosis. Further research with consistent methods and larger patient populations is required to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of saliva microRNAs.

Co-Expression Network Analysis of MicroRNAs and Proteins in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, placing an enormous socioeconomic burden on healthcare services and communities around the world. Survivors of TBI can experience complications ranging from temporary neurological and psychosocial problems to long-term, severe disability and neurodegenerative disease. The current lack of therapeutic agents able to mitigate the effects of secondary brain injury highlights the urgent need for novel target discovery. This study comprises two independent systematic reviews, investigating both microRNA (miRNA) and proteomic expression in rat models of severe TBI (sTBI). The results were combined to perform integrated miRNA-protein co-expression analyses with the aim of uncovering the potential roles of miRNAs in sTBI and to ultimately identify new targets for therapy. Thirty-four studies were included in total. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify any miRNA–protein associations. Endocytosis and TNF signalling pathways were highlighted as common pathways involving both miRNAs and proteins found to be differentially expressed in rat brain tissue following sTBI, suggesting efforts to find novel therapeutic targets that should be focused here. Further high-quality investigations are required to ascertain the involvement of these pathways and their miRNAs in the pathogenesis of TBI and other CNS diseases and to therefore uncover those targets with the greatest therapeutic potential.

Modulation of MicroRNAs as a Potential Molecular Mechanism Involved in the Beneficial Actions of Physical Exercise in Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals worldwide. AD pathophysiology involves the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, along with chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Physical exercise (PE) is a beneficial non-pharmacological strategy and has been described as an ally to combat cognitive decline in individuals with AD. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the beneficial adaptations induced by PE in AD are not fully elucidated. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, inhibiting or degrading their target mRNAs. MicroRNAs are involved in physiological processes that govern normal brain function and deregulated microRNA profiles are associated with the development and progression of AD. It is also known that PE changes microRNA expression profile in the circulation and in target tissues and organs. Thus, this review aimed to identify the role of deregulated microRNAs in the pathophysiology of AD and explore the possible role of the modulation of microRNAs as a molecular mechanism involved in the beneficial actions of PE in AD.

RNA interference in glial cells for nerve injury treatment

Drivers of RNA interference are potent for manipulating gene and protein levels, which enable the restoration of dysregulated mRNA expression that is commonly associated with injuries and diseases. This review summarizes the potential of targeting neuroglial cells, using RNA interference, to treat nerve injuries sustained in the central nervous system. In addition, the various methods of delivering these RNA interference effectors will be discussed.

Integrated Epigenetics, Transcriptomics, and Metabolomics to Analyze the Mechanisms of Benzo[a]pyrene Neurotoxicity in the Hippocampus

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a common environmental pollutant that is neurotoxic to mammals, which can cause changes to hippocampal function and result in cognitive disorders. The mechanisms of B[a]P-induced impairments are complex .To date there have been no studies on the association of epigenetic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic changes with neurotoxicity after B[a]P exposure. In the present study, we investigated the global effect of B[a]P on DNA methylation patterns, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) expression, coding RNAs expression, and metabolites in the rat hippocampus. Male Sprague Dawley rats (SD rats) received daily gavage of B[a]P (2.0 mg/kg body weight [BW]) or corn oil for 7 weeks. Learning and memory ability was analyzed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test and change to cellular ultrastructure in the hippocampus was analyzed using electron microscope observation. Integrated analysis of epigenetics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics was conducted to investigate the effect of B[a]P exposure on the signaling and metabolic pathways. Our results suggest that B[a]P could lead to learning and memory deficits, likely as a result of epigenetic and transcriptomic changes that further affected the expression of CACNA1C, Tpo, etc. The changes in expression ultimately affecting LTP, tyrosine metabolism, and other important metabolic pathways.

Roles of miRNAs in spinal cord injury and potential therapeutic interventions

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 200,000 individuals per year worldwide. There are more than 27 million people worldwide living with long-term disability due to SCI. Historically, it was thought that the central nervous system (CNS) had little ability for regeneration; however, more recent studies have demonstrated potential for repair within the CNS. Because of this, there exists a renewed interest in the discovery of novel approaches to promote regeneration in the CNS including the spinal cord. It is important to know the roles of the microRNAs (miRNAs) in modulation of pathogenesis in SCI and the potentials of the miRNA-based clinical interventions for controlling post-injury symptoms and improving functional recovery. The miRNAs, which are non-coding RNAs with an average of 22 nucleotides in length, are post-transcriptional gene regulators that cause degradation of the target mRNAs and thus negatively control their translation. This review article focuses on current research related to miRNAs and their roles in modulating SCI symptoms, asserting that miRNAs contribute to critical post-SCI molecular processes including neuroplasticity, functional recovery, astrogliosis, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and apoptosis. In particular, miR-96 provides a promising therapeutic opportunity to improve the outcomes of clinical interventions, including the way SCI injuries are evaluated and treated.

MicroRNAs and Regeneration in Animal Models of CNS Disorders

microRNAs (miRNAs) are recently identified small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and significantly influence the essential cellular processes associated with CNS repair after trauma and neuropathological conditions including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. A number of specific miRNAs are implicated in regulating the development and propagation of CNS injury, as well as its subsequent regeneration. The review focuses on the functions of the miRNAs and their role in brain recovery following CNS damage. The article introduces a brief description of miRNA biogenesis and mechanisms of miRNA-induced gene suppression, followed by an overview of miRNAs involved in the processes associated with CNS repair, including neuroprotection, neuronal plasticity and axonal regeneration, vascular reorganization, neuroinflammation, and endogenous stem cell activation. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of multifunctional miRNA miR-155, as it appears to be involved in multiple neurorestorative processes during different CNS pathologies. In association with our own studies on miR-155, I introduce a new and unexplored approach to cerebral regeneration: regulation of brain tissue repair through a direct modulation of specific miRNA activity. The review concludes with discussion on the challenges and the future potential of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to CNS repair.

MicroRNA expression in the hippocampal CA1 region under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

Using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, thoracic aorta diseases and complex heart diseases can be subjected to corrective procedures. However, mechanisms underlying brain protection during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest are unclear. After piglet models underwent 60 minutes of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest at 14°C, expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) was analyzed in the hippocampus by microarray. Subsequently, TargetScan 6.2, RNA22 v2.0, miRWalk 2.0, and miRanda were used to predict potential targets, and gene ontology enrichment analysis was carried out to identify functional pathways involved. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was conducted to verify miRNA changes. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest altered the expression of 35 miRNAs. Twenty-two miRNAs were significantly downregulated and thirteen miRNAs were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Six out of eight targets among the differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched for neuronal projection (cyclin dependent kinase, CDK16 and SLC1A2), central nervous system development (FOXO3, TYRO3, and SLC1A2), ion transmembrane transporter activity (ATP2B2 and SLC1A2), and interleukin-6 receptor binding (IL6R) – these are the key functional pathways involved in cerebral protection during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed the results of microarray analysis. Our experimental results illustrate a new role for transcriptional regulation in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and provide significant insight for the development of miRNAs to treat brain injuries. All procedures were approved by the Animal Care Committee of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, China on March 1, 2017 (approval No. XW-INI-AD2017-0112).

MicroRNA-194-5p Levels Decrease during Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Hypothermia has been reported to be effective in protecting the brain in various clinical conditions, including resuscitation after cardiac arrest and complex cardiovascular surgery, and is considered to be a promising therapy for stroke. The present study aimed to confirm the pivotal role that miRNA-194-5p plays in deep hypothermia circulation arrest. On the basis of reductions in expression of miR-194-5p in the circulation of 21 aortic dissection patients who underwent deep hypothermia circulatory arrest, the specific expression, target, and function of miR-194-5p was investigated using primary neuron culture, polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and flow cytometry methods. Our results showed that miR-194-5p expression was significantly downregulated in hypothermia oxygen glucose deprivation-treated neurons in vitro. Cortical neurons transfected with miR-194-5p mimic exhibited increased death due to oxygen-glucose deprivation. MiR-194-5p mediated the regulation of neuronal death, which involves the downregulation of the specific target protein SUMO2, which is crucial to ischemia tolerance. Collectively, these data highlight the unique role of miR-194-5p in mediating the deep hypothermia circulation arrest response via the regulation of SUMO2. These findings suggest that miR-194-5p could be a potential therapeutic target for intervention in ischemic disease.

A Functional riboSNitch in the 3' Untranslated Region of FKBP5 Alters MicroRNA-320a Binding Efficiency and Mediates Vulnerability to Chronic Post-Traumatic Pain

Previous studies have shown that common variants of the gene coding for FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5), a critical regulator of glucocorticoid sensitivity, affect vulnerability to stress-related disorders. In a previous report, FKBP5 rs1360780 was identified as a functional variant because of its effect on gene methylation. Here we report evidence for a novel functional FKBP5 allele, rs3800373. This study assessed the association between rs3800373 and post-traumatic chronic pain in 1607 women and men from two ethnically diverse human cohorts. The molecular mechanism through which rs3800373 affects adverse outcomes was established via in silico, in vivo, and in vitro analyses. The rs3800373 minor allele predicted worse adverse outcomes after trauma exposure, such that individuals with the minor (risk) allele developed more severe post-traumatic chronic musculoskeletal pain. Among these individuals, peritraumatic circulating FKBP5 expression levels increased as cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) mRNA levels increased, consistent with increased glucocorticoid resistance. Bioinformatic, in vitro, and mutational analyses indicate that the rs3800373 minor allele reduces the binding of a stress- and pain-associated microRNA, miR-320a, to FKBP5 via altering the FKBP5 mRNA 3'UTR secondary structure (i.e., is a riboSNitch). This results in relatively greater FKBP5 translation, unchecked by miR-320a. Overall, these results identify an important gene-miRNA interaction influencing chronic pain risk in vulnerable individuals and suggest that exogenous methods to achieve targeted reduction in poststress FKBP5 mRNA expression may constitute useful therapeutic strategies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT FKBP5 is a critical regulator of the stress response. Previous studies have shown that dysregulation of the expression of this gene plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain development as well as a number of comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders. In the current study, we identified a functional allele (rs3800373) in the 3'UTR of FKBP5 that influences vulnerability to chronic post-traumatic pain in two ethnic cohorts. Using multiple complementary experimental approaches, we show that the FKBP5 rs3800373 minor allele alters the secondary structure of FKBP5 mRNA, decreasing the binding of a stress- and pain-associated microRNA, miR-320a. This results in relatively greater FKBP5 translation, unchecked by miR-320a, increasing glucocorticoid resistance and increasing vulnerability to post-traumatic pain.

N-Palmitoylethanolamine-Oxazoline as a New Therapeutic Strategy to Control Neuroinflammation: Neuroprotective Effects in Experimental Models of Spinal Cord and Brain Injury

Modulation of N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) represents a potential alternative strategy in the treatment of neuroinflammation. Recent studies showed that pharmacological modulation of NAAA could be achieved with the oxazoline of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA; PEA-OXA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of PEA-OXA in the secondary neuroinflammatory events induced by spinal and brain trauma in mice. Animals were subjected to spinal cord and brain injury models and PEA-OXA (10 mg/kg) was administered both intraperitoneally and orally 1 h and 6 h after trauma. PEA-OXA treatment markedly reduced the histological alterations induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ameliorated the motor function and behavioral deficits, as well. In addition, the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3 were increased by PEA-OXA treatment. Moreover, PEA-OXA also significantly decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein hyperexpression, the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphorylation of Ser536 on the NF-κB subunit p65, and degradation of IκB-α, as well as diminished the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β. The modulation of intracellular NAAA by PEA-OXA treatment could thus represent a novel therapy to control neuroinflammatory conditions associated with SCI and TBI.

Thrombin-induced, TNFR-dependent miR-181c downregulation promotes MLL1 and NF-κB target gene expression in human microglia

BACKGROUND

Controlling thrombin-driven microglial activation may serve as a therapeutic target for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Here, we investigated microRNA (miRNA)-based regulation of thrombin-driven microglial activation using an in vitro thrombin toxicity model applied to primary human microglia.

METHODS

A miRNA array identified 22 differential miRNA candidates. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) identified miR-181c as the most significantly downregulated miRNA. TargetScan analysis identified mixed lineage leukemia-1 (MLL1) as a putative gene target for miR-181c. qRT-PCR was applied to assess tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), miR-181c, and MLL1 levels following thrombin or proteinase-activated receptor-4-specific activating peptide (PAR4AP) exposure. Anti-TNF-α antibodies and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) silencing were employed to test TNF-α/TNFR dependence. A dual-luciferase reporter system and miR-181c mimic transfection assessed whether mir-181c directly binds to and negatively regulates MLL1. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-dependent luciferase reporter assays and NF-κB target gene expression were assessed in wild-type (MLL1+) and MLL1-silenced cells.

RESULTS

Thrombin or PAR4AP-induced miR-181c downregulation (p < 0.05) and MLL1 upregulation (p < 0.05) that were dependent upon TNF-α/TNFR. miR-181c decreased wild-type MLL1 3'-UTR luciferase reporter activity (p < 0.05), and a miR-181c mimic suppressed MLL1 expression (p < 0.05). Thrombin treatment increased, while miR-181c reduced, NF-κB activity and NF-κB target gene expression in both wild-type (MLL1+) and MLL1-silenced cells (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombin-induced, TNF-α/TNFR-dependent miR-181c downregulation promotes MLL1 expression, increases NF-κB activity, and upregulates NF-κB target gene expression. As miR-181c opposes thrombin's stimulation of pro-inflammatory NF-κB activity, miR-181c mimic therapy may show promise in controlling thrombin-driven microglial activation following ICH.

Functional and Molecular Correlates after Single and Repeated Rat Closed-Head Concussion: Indices of Vulnerability after Brain Injury

Closed-head concussive injury is one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Isolated concussions frequently produce acute neurological impairments, and individuals typically recover spontaneously within a short time frame. In contrast, brain injuries resulting from multiple concussions can result in cumulative damage and elevated risk of developing chronic brain pathologies. Increased attention has focused on identification of diagnostic markers that can prognostically serve as indices of brain health after injury, revealing the temporal profile of vulnerability to a second insult. Such markers may demarcate adequate recovery periods before concussed patients can return to required activities. We developed a noninvasive closed-head impact model that captures the hallmark symptoms of concussion in the absence of gross tissue damage. Animals were subjected to single or repeated concussive impact and examined using a battery of neurological, vestibular, sensorimotor, and molecular metrics. A single concussion induced transient, but marked, acute neurological impairment, gait alterations, neuronal death, and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in brain tissue. As expected, repeated concussions exacerbated sensorimotor dysfunction, prolonged gait abnormalities, induced neuroinflammation, and upregulated GFAP and tau. These animals also exhibited chronic functional neurological impairments with sustained astrogliosis and white matter thinning. Acute changes in molecular signatures correlated with behavioral impairments, whereas increased times to regaining consciousness and balance impairments were associated with higher GFAP and neuroinflammation. Overall, behavioral consequences of either single or repeated concussive impact injuries appeared to resolve more quickly than the underlying molecular, metabolic, and neuropathological abnormalities. This observation, which is supported by similar studies in other mTBI models, underscores the critical need to develop more objective prognostic measures for guiding return-to-play decisions.

Protein Characterization of Extracellular Microvesicles/Exosomes Released from Cytotoxin-Challenged Rat Cerebrocortical Mixed Culture and Mouse N2a Cells

A number of neuronal and glial proteins were previously found to be released in free-standing soluble form from cultured brain cells into cell-conditioned media. Here, we sought to examine if similar proteins are also contained in neural and astroglial cell-released extracellular microvesicles/exosomes (MV/E). In this study, MV/E were isolated from cell-conditioned media from control and cytotoxin-challenged rat cerebrocortical mixed culture (CTX) and mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells. Cytotoxin challenges included pro-necrosis calcium ionophore A23187, pro-apoptosis staurosporine (STS), and excitotoxin N-methyl-D-aspartate. Based on established nanoparticle characterization method (dynamic light scattering, NanoTracker, and transmission electron microscopy), we confirmed that these released vesicles are in fact characteristic representation of MV/E by morphology (lipid bilayered vesicles) and by particle size (132-142 nm for CTX and 49-77 nm for N2a cells). We indeed identified neural cell body protein UCH-L1, axonal injury marker αII-spectrin and its breakdown products (SBDPs), astroglial markers GFAP and its breakdown products (GFAP-BDP), dendritic protein BIII-tubulin, synaptic protein synaptophysin, and exosome marker Alix in microvesicles from CTX and/or N2a cells. Furthermore, SBDPs, GFAP-BDP, UCH-L1, and synaptophysin are especially dominant in MV/E isolated from cytotoxin-treated CTX cells. Similarly, SBDPs, βIII-tubulin, and UCH-L1 are more prominently observed in cytotoxin-challenged N2a cells. Lastly, when isolated MV/E from A23187- or STS-challenged N2a cells were introduced to healthy N2a culture, they are capable of evoking cytotoxicity in the latter. Taken together, our study identified that microvesicles/exosomes isolated form healthy and injured brain cells contain certain neural and astroglial proteins, as well as possibly other cytotoxic factors that are capable of propagating cytotoxic effects.

Non-coding RNAs and neuroprotection after acute CNS injuries

Accumulating evidence indicates that various classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in normal state as well as the diseases of the CNS. Interestingly, ncRNAs have been shown to interact with messenger RNA, DNA and proteins, and these interactions could induce epigenetic modifications and control transcription and translation, thereby adding a new layer of genomic regulation. The ncRNA expression profiles are known to be altered after acute CNS injuries including stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury that are major contributors of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hence, a better understanding of the functional significance of ncRNAs following CNS injuries could help in developing potential therapeutic strategies to minimize the neuronal damage in those conditions. The potential of ncRNAs in blood and CSF as biomarkers for diagnosis and/or prognosis of acute CNS injuries has also gained importance in the recent years. This review highlighted the current progress in the understanding of the role of ncRNAs in initiation and progression of secondary neuronal damage and their application as biomarkers after acute CNS injuries.

Modulation of miR-146a/complement factor H-mediated inflammatory responses in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Increasing evidence supports the involvement of inflammatory and immune processes in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). miRNAs represent small regulatory RNA molecules that have been shown to act as negative regulators of gene expression controlling different biological processes, including immune system homoeostasis and function. We investigated the expression and cellular distribution of miRNA-146a (miR-146a) in a rat model of TLE. Prominent up-regulation of miR-146a activation was evident in 1 week after status epilepticus (SE) and persisted in the chronic phase. The predicted miR-146a's target complement factor H (CFH) mRNA and protein expression was also down-regulated in TLE rat model. Furthermore, transfection of miR-146a mimics in neuronal and glial cells down-regulated CFH mRNA and protein levels respectively. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-146a down-regulated CFH mRNA expression via 3'-UTR pairing. Down-regulating miR-146a by intracerebroventricular injection of antagomir-146a enhanced the hippocampal expression of CFH in TLE model and decreased seizure susceptibility. These findings suggest that immunopathological deficits associated with TLE can in part be explained by a generalized miR-146a-mediated down-regulation of CFH that may contribute to epileptogenesis in a rat model of TLE.

Dynamic regulation of aquaporin-4 water channels in neurological disorders

Aquaporin-4 water channels play a central role in brain water regulation in neurological disorders. Aquaporin-4 is abundantly expressed at the astroglial endfeet facing the cerebral vasculature and the pial membrane, and both its expression level and subcellular localization significantly influence brain water transport. However, measurements of aquaporin-4 levels in animal models of brain injury often report opposite trends of change at the injury core and the penumbra. Furthermore, aquaporin-4 channels play a beneficial role in brain water clearance in vasogenic edema, but a detrimental role in cytotoxic edema and exacerbate cell swelling. In light of current evidence, we still do not have a complete understanding of the role of aquaporin-4 in brain water transport. In this review, we propose that the regulatory mechanisms of aquaporin-4 at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels jointly regulate water permeability in the short and long time scale after injury. Furthermore, in order to understand why aquaporin-4 channels play opposing roles in cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, we discuss experimental evidence on the dynamically changing osmotic gradients between blood, extracellular space, and the cytosol during the formation of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema. We conclude with an emerging picture of the distinct osmotic environments in cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, and propose that the directions of aquaporin-4-mediated water clearance in these two types of edema are distinct. The difference in water clearance pathways may provide an explanation for the conflicting observations of the roles of aquaporin-4 in edema resolution.

Role of inflammation and its miRNA based regulation in epilepsy: Implications for therapy

There is a need to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to counteract epilepsy, a common disabling neurological disorder. Despite the recent advent of additional antiepileptic drugs and respective surgery, the treatment of epilepsy remains a major challenge. The available therapies are largely based on symptoms, and these approaches do not affect the underlying disease processes and are also associated frequently with severe side effects. This is mainly because of the lack of well-defined targets in epilepsy. The discovery that inflammatory mediators significantly contribute to the onset and recurrence of seizures in experimental seizure models, as well as the presence of inflammatory molecules in human epileptogenic tissue, highlights the possibility of targeting specific inflammation related pathways to control seizures that are otherwise resistant to the available AEDs. Emerging studies suggest that miRNAs have a significant role in regulating inflammatory pathways shown to be involved in epilepsy. These miRNAs can possibly be used as novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of epilepsy as well as serve as diagnostic biomarkers of epileptogenesis. This review highlights the immunological features underlying the pathogenesis of epileptic seizures and the possible miRNA mediated approaches for drug resistant epilepsies that modulate the immune-mediated pathogenesis.

The regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs in nerve injury and regeneration

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have attracted much attention since their regulatory roles in diverse cell processes were recognized. Emerging studies demonstrate that many ncRNAs are differentially expressed after injury to the nervous system, significantly affecting nerve regeneration. In this review, we compile the miRNAs and lncRNAs that have been reported to be dysregulated following a variety of central and peripheral nerve injuries, including acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, and peripheral nerve injury. We also list investigations on how these miRNAs and lncRNAs exert the regulatory actions in neurodegenerative and neuroregenerative processes through different mechanisms involving their interaction with target coding genes. We believe that comprehension of the expression profiles and the possible functions of ncRNAs during the processes of nerve injury and regeneration will help understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for post-nerve-injury changes, and may contribute to the potential use of ncRNAs as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for nerve injury.

Integrated analyses of zebrafish miRNA and mRNA expression profiles identify miR-29b and miR-223 as potential regulators of optic nerve regeneration

Background

Unlike mammals, zebrafish have the ability to regenerate damaged parts of their central nervous system (CNS) and regain functionality of the affected area. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in zebrafish regeneration may therefore provide insight into how CNS repair might be induced in mammals. Although many studies have described differences in gene expression in zebrafish during CNS regeneration, the regulatory mechanisms underpinning the differential expression of these genes have not been examined.

Results

We used microarrays to analyse and integrate the mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of zebrafish retina after optic nerve crush to identify potential regulatory mechanisms that underpin central nerve regeneration. Bioinformatic analysis identified 3 miRNAs and 657 mRNAs that were differentially expressed after injury. We then combined inverse correlations between our miRNA expression and mRNA expression, and integrated these findings with target predictions from TargetScan Fish to identify putative miRNA-gene target pairs. We focused on two over-expressed miRNAs (miR-29b and miR-223), and functionally validated seven of their predicted gene targets using RT-qPCR and luciferase assays to confirm miRNA-mRNA binding. Gene ontology analysis placed the miRNA-regulated genes (eva1a, layna, nefmb, ina, si:ch211-51a6.2, smoc1, sb:cb252) in key biological processes that included cell survival/apoptosis, ECM-cytoskeleton signaling, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding,

Conclusion

Our results suggest a key role for miR-29b and miR-223 in zebrafish regeneration. The identification of miRNA regulation in a zebrafish injury model provides a framework for future studies in which to investigate not only the cellular processes required for CNS regeneration, but also how these mechanisms might be regulated to promote successful repair and return of function in the injured mammalian brain.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1772-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Spinal cord injury induced neuropathic pain: Molecular targets and therapeutic approaches

Neuropathic pain, especially that resulting from spinal cord injury, is a tremendous clinical challenge. A myriad of biological changes have been implicated in producing these pain states including cellular interactions, extracellular proteins, ion channel expression, and epigenetic influences. Physiological consequences of these changes are varied and include functional deficits and pain responses. Developing therapies that effectively address the cause of these symptoms require a deeper knowledge of alterations in the molecular pathways. Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases are two promising therapeutic targets. Matrix metalloproteinases interact with and influence many of the studied pain pathways. Gene expression of ion channels and inflammatory mediators clearly contributes to neuropathic pain. Localized and time dependent targeting of these proteins could alleviate and even prevent neuropathic pain from developing. Current therapeutic options for neuropathic pain are limited primarily to analgesics targeting the opioid pathway. Therapies directed at molecular targets are highly desirable and in early stages of development. These include transplantation of exogenously engineered cell populations and targeted gene manipulation. This review describes specific molecular targets amenable to therapeutic intervention using currently available delivery systems.

Mesenchymal stem cells deliver exogenous miRNAs to neural cells and induce their differentiation and glutamate transporter expression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potential therapeutic targets in a variety of pathological conditions in the brain; however, their clinical application is hampered by lack of efficient delivery modes. Mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) migrate to sites of injury and inflammation and exert therapeutic effects in various neurological disorders. Here, we examined the ability of MSCs to deliver exogenous miRNA mimics and pre-miRNAs to human neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and astrocytes and characterized the functional impact of this delivery. We found that MSCs efficiently delivered fluorescent-labeled miR-124 and miR-145 mimics to cocultured NPCs and astrocytes. We further demonstrated the delivery of the miRNAs using novel reporter plasmids that contain a sequence complementary to miR-124 or miR-145 downstream of luciferase or mCherry. Binding of the specific miRNAs to these sequences results in decreased luciferase activity or mCherry fluorescence and therefore enable analysis of miRNA delivery in living cells. The delivered exogenous miR-124 significantly decreased the expression of the target gene Sox9 by targeting its 3'-UTR, and increased the neuronal differentiation of the NPCs. In addition, the delivered miR-124 increased the expression of the glutamate transporters, EAAT1 in NPCs and EAAT2 in both NPCs and astrocytes. Similar results were obtained with MSCs transfected with pre-miR-124. The miRNA delivery was mediated by MSC-derived exosomes and was cell contact independent. These results suggest that MSCs can functionally deliver exogenous miRNAs to neural cells and provide an efficient route of therapeutic miRNA delivery to the brain in pathological conditions with clinical implications for regenerative medicine.

Regulation of neurotropic signaling by the inducible, NF-kB-sensitive miRNA-125b in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in primary human neuronal-glial (HNG) cells

Inducible microRNAs (miRNAs) perform critical regulatory roles in central nervous system (CNS) development, aging, health, and disease. Using miRNA arrays, RNA sequencing, enhanced Northern dot blot hybridization technologies, Western immunoblot, and bioinformatics analysis, we have studied miRNA abundance and complexity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain tissues compared to age-matched controls. In both short post-mortem AD and in stressed primary human neuronal-glial (HNG) cells, we observe a consistent up-regulation of several brain-enriched miRNAs that are under transcriptional control by the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-kB. These include miRNA-9, miRNA-34a, miRNA-125b, miRNA-146a, and miRNA-155. Of the inducible miRNAs in this subfamily, miRNA-125b is among the most abundant and significantly induced miRNA species in human brain cells and tissues. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that an up-regulated miRNA-125b could potentially target the 3'untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding (a) a 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX; ALOX15; chr 17p13.3), utilized in the conversion of docosahexaneoic acid into neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), and (b) the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR; VD3R; chr12q13.11) of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. 15-LOX and VDR are key neuromolecular factors essential in lipid-mediated signaling, neurotrophic support, defense against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species), and neuroprotection in the CNS. Pathogenic effects appear to be mediated via specific interaction of miRNA-125b with the 3'-UTR region of the 15-LOX and VDR messenger RNAs (mRNAs). In AD hippocampal CA1 and in stressed HNG cells, 15-LOX and VDR down-regulation and a deficiency in neurotrophic support may therefore be explained by the actions of a single inducible, pro-inflammatory miRNA-125b. We will review the recent data on the pathogenic actions of this up-regulated miRNA-125b in AD and discuss potential therapeutic approaches using either anti-NF-kB or anti-miRNA-125b strategies. These may be of clinical relevance in the restoration of 15-LOX and VDR expression back to control levels and the re-establishment of homeostatic neurotrophic signaling in the CNS.

MicroRNA (miRNA): sequence and stability, viroid-like properties, and disease association in the CNS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a relatively recently-discovered class of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are gaining considerable attention in the molecular-genetic regulatory mechanisms that contribute to human health and disease. As highly soluble and mobile entities, emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs posess a highly selected ribonucleotide sequence structure, are part of an evolutionary ancient genetic signaling system, resemble the plant pathogens known as viroids in their structure, mode of generation and function, and are very abundant in the physiological fluids that surround cells and tissues. Persistence and altered abundance of miRNAs in the extracellular fluid (ECF) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may play a role in the intercellular spreading of disease systemically, and throughout functionally-linked cellular and tissue systems such as the central nervous system (CNS). This short communication will review some of the more fascinating features of these highly structured single stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) with emphasis on their presence and function in the human CNS, with particular reference to Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) wherever possible.

A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of microRNA-146a is associated with the risk of Alzheimer disease and the rate of cognitive decline in patients

miR146a is well known for its regulatory role in the immune response and inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated the links between miR146a and Alzheimer disease (AD) and suggested that miR146a may be involved in neuroinflammation and the metabolism of amyloid-β (Aβ), which are critical events in AD pathology. Although genetic studies have focused on the association between the miR146a gene and susceptibility to several diseases, no association study of miR146a variability with AD has been conducted. In this report, we performed a case-control association study to analyze the genotype and allele distributions of the miR146a, rs2910464 and rs57095329 polymorphisms in a Chinese population consisting of 292 AD cases and 300 healthy controls. We found a significant difference in the genotypes and allele frequencies of rs57095329 between the AD cases and the controls (p = 0.0147 and p = 0.0184, respectively), where the AA genotype of rs57095329 was associated with an increased risk of AD as well the cognitive decline in AD patients. Additionally, the AA genotype of rs57095329 exhibited significantly higher miR146a expression than the GG+GA genotypes of rs2910164 in the peripheral blood cells (PBMCs) of healthy individuals and had a stronger effect on the production of IL-6 and IL-1β when the cells were stimulated with LPS. Our data provide preliminary evidence that the rs57095329 polymorphism in the miR146a promoter is involved in the genetic susceptibility to AD, and this risk AA genotype may increase the expression of miR146a and influence certain proinflammatory cytokines, thus playing a role in the pathogenesis of AD.

Spatial and temporal expression levels of specific microRNAs in a spinal cord injury mouse model and their relationship to the duration of compression

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

MicroRNAs, a class of small nonprotein-coding RNAs, are thought to control gene translation into proteins. The latter are the ultimate effectors of the biochemical cascade occurring in any physiological and pathological process. MicroRNAs have been shown to change their expression levels during injury of spinal cord in contusion rodent models. Compression is the most frequent mode of damage of neural elements in spinal cord injury. The cellular and molecular changes occurring in the spinal cord during prolonged compression are not very well elucidated. Understanding the underlying molecular events that occur during sustained compression is paramount in building new therapeutic strategies.

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to probe the relationship between the expression level changes of different miRNAs and the timing of spinal cord decompression in a mouse model.

STUDY DESIGN

A compression spinal cord injury mouse model was used for the study.

METHODS

A laminectomy was performed in the thoracic spine of C57BL/6 mice. Then, the thecal sac was compressed to create the injury. Decompression was performed early for one group and it was delayed in the second group. The spinal cord at the epicenter of the injury and one level rostral to it were removed at 3, 6, and 24 hours after trauma, and RNA was extracted. Expression levels of six different microRNAs and the relationship to the duration of compression were analyzed. This work was supported in part by the University Research Council Grants Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (Grant 130267). There are no specific conflicts of interest to be disclosed for this work.

RESULTS

Expression levels of microRNAs in the prolonged compression of spinal cord model were significantly different compared with the expression levels in the short duration of compression spinal cord injury model. Furthermore, microRNAs show a different expression pattern in different regions of the injured spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that spinal cord compression causes alterations in the expression of different miRNAs in the acute phase of injury. Their expression is related to the duration of the compression of the spinal cord. These findings suggest that early decompression of the spinal cord may have an important modulating effect on the molecular cascade triggered during secondary injury through the changes in expression levels of specific microRNAs.

MicroRNA overexpression increases cortical neuronal vulnerability to injury

Previously we reported that several microRNAs (miRNA) are upregulated following experimentally induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Specific miRNAs were found to be sensitive to therapeutic hypothermia and may therefore be important targets for neuroprotective strategies. In this study we developed plasmid constructs that overexpress temperature sensitive miRNAs: miR-34a, miR-451, and miR-874. These constructs were transfected into cultured cortical neurons that were subjected to stretch injury using a cell injury controller device. Levels of expression of genes associated with stress, inflammation, apoptosis and transcriptional regulation were measured by qRT-PCR. mRNA levels of cytokines interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as well as heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Caspase 11 were found to be increased up to 24 fold higher than controls in cells overexpressing these miRNAs. After moderate stretch injury, the expression of IL1-β, TNF-α, HSP70 and Caspase 11 all increased over control levels found in uninjured cells suggesting that overexpression of these miRNAs increases cellular vulnerability. miR-34a directly inhibits Bcl2 and XIAP, both anti-apoptotic proteins. The observed increase in Caspase 11 with over-expression of miR-34a indicates that miR-34a may be inducing apoptosis by reducing the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins. miR-34a is predicted to inhibit Jun, which was seen to decrease in cells overexpressing this miRNA along with Fos. Over expression of several miRNAs found to be induced by TBI in vivo (miR-34a, miR-451 and miR-874) leads to increased vulnerability in transfected neurons. Therapeutic hypothermia blunts the expression of these miRNAs in vivo and antisense silencing could be a potential therapeutic approach to targeting the consequences of TBI.

Epigenetics in critical illness: a new frontier

Epigenetics is the study of alterations in the function of genes that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Within the critical care literature, it is a relatively new and exciting avenue of research in describing pathology, clinical course, and developing targeted therapies to improve outcomes. In this paper, we highlight current research relative to critical care that is focused within the major epigenetic mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA regulation, and composite epigenetic scoring. Within this emerging body of research it is quite clear that the novel therapies of the future will require clinicians to understand and navigate an even more complex and multivariate relationship between genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical mechanisms in conjunction with clinical presentation and course in order to significantly improve outcomes within the acute and critically ill population.

MicroRNA-mediated GABA Aα-1 receptor subunit down-regulation in adult spinal cord following neonatal cystitis-induced chronic visceral pain in rats

The nociceptive transmission under pathological chronic pain conditions involves transcriptional and/or translational alteration in spinal neurotransmitters, receptor expressions, and modification of neuronal functions. Studies indicate the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) - mediated transcriptional deregulation in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic pain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that long-term cross-organ colonic hypersensitivity in neonatal zymosan-induced cystitis is due to miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional suppression of the developing spinal GABAergic system. Cystitis was produced by intravesicular injection of zymosan (1% in saline) into the bladder during postnatal (P) days P14 through P16 and spinal dorsal horns (L6-S1) were collected either on P60 (unchallenged groups) or on P30 after a zymosan re-challenge on P29 (re-challenged groups). miRNA arrays and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed significant, but differential, up-regulation of mature miR-181a in the L6-S1 spinal dorsal horns from zymosan-treated rats compared with saline-treated controls in both the unchallenged and re-challenged groups. The target gene analysis demonstrated multiple complementary binding sites in miR-181a for GABA(A) receptor subunit GABA(Aα-1) gene with a miRSVR score of -1.83. An increase in miR-181a concomitantly resulted in significant down-regulation of GABA(Aα-1) receptor subunit gene and protein expression in adult spinal cords from rats with neonatal cystitis. Intrathecal administration of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol failed to attenuate the viscero-motor response (VMR) to colon distension in rats with neonatal cystitis, whereas in adult zymosan-treated rats the drug produced significant decrease in VMR. These results support an integral role for miRNA-mediated transcriptional deregulation of the GABAergic system in neonatal cystitis-induced chronic pelvic pain.

Circulating MicroRNAs as potential risk biomarkers for hematoma enlargement after intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MicroRNAs have recently been shown to regulate the downstream bioprocesses of intracerebral hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNAs can be used as biomarkers to predict secondary hematoma enlargement (HE) in patients with ICH.

METHODS

Consecutively, 79 ICH patients admitted within 6 h of symptom onset and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Whole-genome miRNA expression profiles were generated in 32 patients (HE/non-HE: 14/18). Representative differentially expressed miRNAs were measured in all cases (HE/non-HE: 30/49) and normal controls (n = 30) by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Thirty miRNAs showed differential expressions in the plasma samples from patients with HE as compared with the non-HE controls. Compared to the hierarchical cluster analysis with all probes on microarray, all patients were separated into two main branches with only four exceptions by 30 differentially expressed miRNAs, improving the overall accuracy from 47.62 to 77.78% in the HE and 72.73 to 100% in the non-HE group. Further support vector machine (SVM) test can discriminate the two groups with 100% accuracy with 10 differentially expressed miRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that multiple miRNAs are differentially expressed in the plasma of ICH patients with or without HE and may serve as circulating biomarkers for predicting HE after ICH.

microRNA-21 regulates astrocytic response following spinal cord injury

Astrogliosis following spinal cord injury (SCI) involves an early hypertrophic response that serves to repair damaged blood-brain barrier and a subsequent hyperplastic response that results in a dense scar that impedes axon regeneration. The mechanisms regulating these two phases of astrogliosis are beginning to be elucidated. In this study, we found that microRNA-21 (miR-21) increases in a time-dependent manner following SCI in mouse. Astrocytes adjacent to the lesion area express high levels of miR-21 whereas astrocytes in uninjured spinal cord express low levels of miR-21. To study the role of miR-21 in astrocytes after SCI, transgenic mice were generated that conditionally overexpress either the primary miR-21 transcript in astrocytes or a miRNA sponge designed to inhibit miR-21 function. Overexpression of miR-21 in astrocytes attenuated the hypertrophic response to SCI. Conversely, expression of the miR-21 sponge augmented the hypertrophic phenotype, even in chronic stages of SCI recovery when astrocytes have normally become smaller in size with fine processes. Inhibition of miR-21 function in astrocytes also resulted in increased axon density within the lesion site. These findings demonstrate a novel role for miR-21 in regulating astrocytic hypertrophy and glial scar progression after SCI, and suggest miR-21 as a potential therapeutic target for manipulating gliosis and enhancing functional outcome.

Studying micro RNA Function and Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a tragic, progressive, age-related neurological dysfunction, representing one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders in industrialized societies. Globally, 5 million new cases of AD are diagnosed annually, with one new AD case being reported every 7 s. Most recently there has been a surge in the study of the regulatory mechanisms of the AD process, and the particular significance of small non-coding ∼22 ribonucleotide RNAs called micro RNAs (miRNAs). Abundant data have profiled miRNA patterns in healthy, aging brain, in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and in the moderate- and late-stages of AD. The major mode of action of miRNA is to interact, via base-pair complementarity, with ribonucleotides located within the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of multiple target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and in doing so decrease the capability of that specific mRNA to be expressed. Many miRNAs are highly cell- and tissue-specific. The human brain appears to use only a highly specific fraction of all known human miRNAs, whose speciation and complexity are defined as a discrete subset of all known small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in the brain. In general, in contrast to normally, aging human brain, in AD a family of pathogenically up-regulated miRNAs appear to be down-regulating the expression certain brain-essential mRNA targets, including key regulatory genes involved interactively in neuroinflammation, synaptogenesis, neurotrophic functions, and amyloidogenesis. These up-regulated, NF-kB-sensitive miRNAs, involved in the innate immune and inflammatory response and synaptic, neurotrophic, and amyloidogenic functions include miRNA-9, miRNA-125b, miRNA-146a, and miRNA-155. Other miRNAs of the miRNA-15/107 family, miRNA-153 and miRNA-190, and others, will be discussed. Overall, this manuscript will review the known contribution of miRNAs to aging brain function and the role they appear to play in the incidence and progression of AD.

MicroRNAs in the brain: it's regulatory role in neuroinflammation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded noncoding regions of approximately 21 nucleotides that regulate protein synthesis by targeting mRNAs for translational repression or degradation at the post-transcriptional level. These classes of RNAs are highly conserved across species and are known to regulate several protein-coding genes in humans. Therefore, their dysregulation is synonymous with inflammation, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, viral infections, heart diseases, and cancer, among other conditions. Recent years have witnessed considerable amount of research interest in studies on miRNA-mediated modulation of gene function during neuroinflammation. This review is a meticulous compilation of information on biogenesis of miRNAs and their role in neuroinflammatory diseases. Further, their potential as markers of inflammatory diseases or novel therapeutic agents against neuroinflammation has also been discussed in detail.

Visual detection of STAT5B gene expression in living cell using the hairpin DNA modified gold nanoparticle beacon

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B (STAT5B) is an important protein in JAK-STAT signaling pathway that is responsible for the metastasis and proliferation of tumor cells. Determination of the STAT5B messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) relating to the STAT5B expression provides insight into the mechanism of tumor progression. In this study, we designed and used a special hairpin deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for human STAT5B mRNA to functionalize gold nanoparticles, which served as a beacon for detecting human STAT5B expression. Up to 90% quenching efficiency was achieved. Upon hybridizing with the target mRNA, the hairpin DNA modified gold nanoparticle beacons (hDAuNP beacons) release the fluorophores attached at 5' end of the oligonucleotide sequence. The fluorescence properties of the beacon before and after the hybridization with the complementary DNA were confirmed in vitro. The stability of hDAuNP beacons against degradation by DNase I and GSH indicated that the prepared beacon is stable inside cells. The detected fluorescence in MCF-7 cancer cells correlates with the specific STAT5B mRNA expression, which is consistent with the result from PCR measurement. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the hDAuNP beacons internalized in cells without using transfection agents, with intracellular distribution in the cytoplasm rather than the nucleus. The results demonstrated that this beacon could directly provide quantitative measurement of the intracellular STAT5B mRNA in living cells. Compared to the previous approaches, this beacon has advantages of higher target to background ratio of detection and an increased resistance to nuclease degradation. The strategy reported in this study is a promising approach for the intracellular measurement of RNA or protein expression in living cells, and has great potential in the study of drug screening and discovery.

Regulation of complement factor H (CFH) by multiple miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain

Human brain cells rely on a specific subset of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) to shape their gene expression patterns, and this is mediated through microRNA effects on messenger RNA (mRNA) speciation and complexity. In recent studies (a) in short post-mortem interval Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain tissues versus age-matched controls, and (b) in pro-inflammatory cytokine- and Aβ42 peptide-stressed human neuronal-glial (HNG) cells in primary culture, we have identified several brain-abundant miRNA species found to be significantly up-regulated, including miR-125b and miR-146a. Both of these nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-activated, 22 nucleotide small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) target the mRNA of the key, innate-immune- and inflammation-related regulatory protein, complement factor-H (CFH; chr 1q32), resulting in significant decreases in CFH expression (p < 0.01, ANOVA). Our results further indicate that HNG cells respond to IL-1β + Aβ42-peptide-induced stress by significant NF-κB-modulated up-regulation of miRNA-125b- and miRNA-146a. The complex interactive signaling of NF-κB, miR-125b, miR-146a, and perhaps other miRNAs, further illustrate interplay between inducible transcription factors and multiple pro-inflammatory sncRNAs that regulate CFH expression. The novel concept of miRNA actions involving mRNA target convergence and divergence are proposed and discussed. The combinatorial use of NF-кB inhibitors with anti-miRNAs (AMs; antagomirs) may have potential against CFH-driven pathogenic signaling in neurodegenerative disease, and may redirect our therapeutic perspectives to novel treatment strategies that have not yet been considered.

Tertiary mechanisms of brain damage: a new hope for treatment of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by injury or developmental disturbances to the immature brain and leads to substantial motor, cognitive, and learning deficits. In addition to developmental disruption associated with the initial insult to the immature brain, injury processes can persist for many months or years. We suggest that these tertiary mechanisms of damage might include persistent inflammation and epigenetic changes. We propose that these processes are implicit in prevention of endogenous repair and regeneration and predispose patients to development of future cognitive dysfunction and sensitisation to further injury. We suggest that treatment of tertiary mechanisms of damage might be possible by various means, including preventing the repressive effects of microglia and astrocyte over-activation, recapitulating developmentally permissive epigenetic conditions, and using cell therapies to stimulate repair and regeneration Recognition of tertiary mechanisms of damage might be the first step in a complex translational task to tailor safe and effective therapies that can be used to treat the already developmentally disrupted brain long after an insult.

MicroRNAs: novel regulators of oligodendrocyte differentiation and potential therapeutic targets in demyelination-related diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that consist of about 22 nucleotides and play critical roles in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. In recent years, some specific miRNA, such as miR-219, miR-138, miR-9, miR-23, and miR-19b were found to participate in the regulation of oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation and myelin maintenance, as well as in the pathogenesis of demyelination-related diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and leukodystrophy). These miRNAs control their target mRNA or regulate the protein levels of some signaling pathways, and participate in OL differentiation and the pathogenesis of demyelination-related diseases. During pathologic processes, the expression levels of specific miRNAs are dynamically altered. Therefore, miRNAs act as diagnostic and prognostic indicators of defects in OL differentiation and demyelination-related diseases, and they can provide potential targets for therapeutic drug development.

MicroRNA-driven developmental remodeling in the brain distinguishes humans from other primates

Comparison of human, chimpanzee, and macaque brain transcriptomes reveals a significant developmental remodeling in the human prefrontal cortex, potentially shaped by microRNA.

While multiple studies have reported the accelerated evolution of brain gene expression in the human lineage, the mechanisms underlying such changes are unknown. Here, we address this issue from a developmental perspective, by analyzing mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression in two brain regions within macaques, chimpanzees, and humans throughout their lifespan. We find that constitutive gene expression divergence (species differences independent of age) is comparable between humans and chimpanzees. However, humans display a 3–5 times faster evolutionary rate in divergence of developmental patterns, compared to chimpanzees. Such accelerated evolution of human brain developmental patterns (i) cannot be explained by life-history changes among species, (ii) is twice as pronounced in the prefrontal cortex than the cerebellum, (iii) preferentially affects neuron-related genes, and (iv) unlike constitutive divergence does not depend on cis-regulatory changes, but might be driven by human-specific changes in expression of trans-acting regulators. We show that developmental profiles of miRNAs, as well as their target genes, show the fastest rates of human-specific evolutionary change, and using a combination of computational and experimental methods, we identify miR-92a, miR-454, and miR-320b as possible regulators of human-specific neural development. Our results suggest that different mechanisms underlie adaptive and neutral transcriptome divergence, and that changes in the expression of a few key regulators may have been a major driving force behind rapid evolution of the human brain.

Species evolution is often depicted as a slow and continuous process punctuated by rapid changes. One example of the latter is the evolution of human cognition–emergence of an exceedingly complex phenotype within a few million years. What genetic mechanisms might have driven this process? Nearly 40 years ago, it was proposed that human-specific gene expression changes, rather than changes in protein sequence, might underlie human cognitive evolution. Here we compare gene expression throughout postnatal brain development in humans, chimpanzees, and macaques. We find that simple changes in gene expression levels, plausibly driven by mutations in cis-regulatory elements, accumulate at similar rates in all three evolutionary lineages. What sharply distinguishes humans from other species is change in the timing and shape of developmental expression patterns. This is particularly pronounced in the prefrontal cortex, where 4-fold more genes show more human-specific developmental changes than chimpanzee-specific ones. Notably, our results indicate that this massive developmental remodeling of the human cortex, which affects hundreds of genes, might be driven by expression changes of only a few key regulators, such as microRNAs. Genes affected by this remodeling are preferentially associated with neural activity, thereby suggesting a link to the evolution of human cognition.

NF-кB-regulated micro RNAs (miRNAs) in primary human brain cells

Micro RNAs (miRNAs), small and labile ~22 nucleotide-sized fragments of single stranded RNA, are important regulators of messenger (mRNA) complexity and in shaping the transcriptome of a cell. In this communication, we utilized amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) peptides and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) as a combinatorial, physiologically-relevant stress to induce miRNAs in human primary neural (HNG) cells (a co-culture of neurons and astroglia). Specific miRNA up-regulation was monitored using miRNA arrays, Northern micro-dot blots and RT-PCR. Selective NF-кB translocation and DNA binding inhibitors, including the chelator and anti-oxidant pyrollidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and the polyphenolic resveratrol analog CAY10512 (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), indicated the NF-кB sensitivity of several brain miRNAs, including miRNA-9, miRNA-125b and miRNA-146a. The inducible miRNA-125b and miRNA-146a, and their verified mRNA targets, including 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), synapsin-2 (SYN-2), complement factor H (CFH) and tetraspanin-12 (TSPAN12), suggests complex and highly interactive roles for NF-кB, miRNA-125b and miRNA-146a. These data further indicate that just two NF-кB-mediated miRNAs have tremendous potential to contribute to the regulation of neurotrophic support, synaptogenesis, neuroinflammation, innate immune signaling and amyloidogenesis in stressed primary neural cells of the human brain.

Cholesterol metabolism in Huntington disease

The CNS is rich in cholesterol, which is essential for neuronal development and survival, synapse maturation, and optimal synaptic activity. Alterations in brain cholesterol homeostasis are linked to neurodegeneration. Studies have demonstrated that Huntington disease (HD), a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder resulting from polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin protein, is associated with changes in cellular cholesterol metabolism. Emerging evidence from human and animal studies indicates that attenuated brain sterol synthesis and accumulation of cholesterol in neuronal membranes represent two distinct mechanisms occurring in the presence of mutant huntingtin that influence neuronal survival. Increased knowledge of how changes in intraneuronal cholesterol metabolism influence the pathogenesis of HD will provide insights into the potential application of brain cholesterol regulation as a therapeutic strategy for this devastating disease.

Therapeutic hypothermia alters microRNA responses to traumatic brain injury in rats

Therapeutic hypothermia promotes protection after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mechanisms underlying hypothermic protection are multifactorial and may include the modulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression after trauma. We utilized microarrays to examine the effects of posttraumatic hypothermia on the expression of 388 rat miRNAs. Animals were subjected to sham or moderate fluid percussion brain injury, followed by 4 hours of hypothermia (33°C) or normothermia (37°C) and euthanized at 7 or 24 hours. At 7 hours, 47 miRNAs were significantly different (P<0.05) between TBI and sham (15 higher in TBI and 31 lower). After 24 hours, 15 miRNAs differed by P<0.05 (7 higher and 9 lower). The expression of miRNAs was altered by posttraumatic hypothermia. At 7 hours, seven were higher in hypothermia than normothermia and five were lower. Some miRNAs (e.g., miR-874 and miR-451) showed the most difference with hypothermia, with changes verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. Regionally specific miRNAs also showed responses to TBI and hypothermia treatments by in situ hybridization. In addition, in vitro neuronal stretch injury studies showed similar temperature-sensitive responses to specific miRNAs. These novel data indicate that the reported beneficial effects of early hypothermia on traumatic outcome may include temperature-sensitive miRNAs involved in basic cell-processing events.