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Chen X, Sokirniy I, Wang X, Jiang M, Mseis-Jackson N, Williams C, Mayes K, Jiang N, Puls B, Du Q, Shi Y, Li H. MicroRNA-375 Is Induced during Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming and Promotes Survival of Reprogrammed Neurons when Overexpressed. Cells 2023; 12:2202. [PMID: 37681934 PMCID: PMC10486704 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) reprogramming holds great promise in regenerative medicine, the molecular mechanisms that govern this unique biological process remain elusive. To understand the function of miRNAs during the AtN reprogramming process, we performed RNA-seq of both mRNAs and miRNAs on human astrocyte (HA) cultures upon NeuroD1 overexpression. Bioinformatics analyses showed that NeuroD1 not only activated essential neuronal genes to initiate the reprogramming process but also induced miRNA changes in HA. Among the upregulated miRNAs, we identified miR-375 and its targets, neuronal ELAVL genes (nELAVLs), which encode a family of RNA-binding proteins and were also upregulated by NeuroD1. We further showed that manipulating the miR-375 level regulated nELAVLs' expression during NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming. Interestingly, miR-375/nELAVLs were also induced by the reprogramming factors Neurog2 and ASCL1 in HA, suggesting a conserved function to neuronal reprogramming, and by NeuroD1 in the mouse astrocyte culture and spinal cord. Functionally, we showed that miR-375 overexpression improved NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming efficiency by promoting cell survival at early stages in HA and did not appear to compromise the maturation of the reprogrammed neurons. Lastly, overexpression of miR-375-refractory ELAVL4 induced apoptosis and reversed the cell survival-promoting effect of miR-375 during AtN reprogramming. Together, we demonstrated a neuroprotective role of miR-375 during NeuroD1-mediated AtN reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ivan Sokirniy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Natalie Mseis-Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Christine Williams
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kristopher Mayes
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Na Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Quansheng Du
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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2
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Chen X, Sokirniy I, Wang X, Jiang M, Mseis-Jackson N, Williams C, Mayes K, Jiang N, Puls B, Du Q, Shi Y, Li H. MicroRNA-375 is induced during astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming and promotes survival of reprogrammed neurons when overexpressed. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548401. [PMID: 37503054 PMCID: PMC10369893 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
While astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) reprogramming holds great promise in regenerative medicine, the molecular mechanisms that govern this unique biological process remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, play crucial roles during development and under various pathological conditions. To understand the function of miRNAs during AtN reprogramming process, we performed RNA-seq of both mRNAs and miRNAs on human astrocyte (HA) cultures upon NeuroD1 overexpression. Bioinformatics analyses showed that NeuroD1 not only activates essential neuronal genes to initiate reprogramming process but also induces miRNA changes in HA. Among the upregulated miRNAs, we identified miR-375 and its targets, neuronal ELAVL genes ( nELAVLs ), which encode a family of RNA-binding proteins and are also upregulated by NeuroD1. We further showed that manipulating miR-375 level regulates nELAVLs expression during NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming. Interestingly, miR-375/ nELAVLs are also induced by reprogramming factors Neurog2 and ASCL1 in HA suggesting a conserved function to neuronal reprogramming, and by NeuroD1 in the mouse astrocyte culture and spinal cord. Functionally, we showed that miR-375 overexpression improves NeuroD1-mediated reprogramming efficiency by promoting cell survival at early stages in HA even in cultures treated with the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin. Moreover, miR-375 overexpression doesn't appear to compromise maturation of the reprogrammed neurons in long term HA cultures. Lastly, overexpression of miR-375-refractory ELAVL4 induces apoptosis and reverses the cell survival-promoting effect of miR-375 during AtN reprogramming. Together, we demonstrate a neuro-protective role of miR-375 during NeuroD1-mediated AtN reprogramming and suggest a strategy of combinatory overexpression of NeuroD1 and miR-375 for improving neuronal reprogramming efficiency.
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3
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Zhang WH, Jiang L, Li M, Liu J. MicroRNA‑124: an emerging therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1215-1226. [PMID: 36961552 PMCID: PMC10129929 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06524-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of neuron and non-neuron cells including neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs), neuroblasts, glia cells (mainly astrocyte, oligodendroglia and microglia), which thereby form a precise and complicated network and exert diverse functions through interactions of numerous bioactive ingredients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), with small size approximately ~ 21nt and as well-documented post-transcriptional key regulators of gene expression, are a cluster of evolutionarily conserved endogenous non-coding RNAs. More than 2000 different miRNAs has been discovered till now. MicroRNA-124(miR-124), the most brain-rich microRNA, has been validated to possess important functions in the central nervous system, including neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, cell fate determination, neuron migration, synapse plasticity and cognition, cell apoptosis etc. According to recent studies, herein, we provide a review of this conversant miR-124 to further understand the potential functions and therapeutic and clinical value in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA Medical School/Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100095, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050010, China
| | - Lian Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050010, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050010, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA Medical School/Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100095, China.
- Department of Neonatology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
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4
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Bai Y, Su X, Piao L, Jin Z, Jin R. Involvement of Astrocytes and microRNA Dysregulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Potential. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:556215. [PMID: 33815055 PMCID: PMC8010124 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.556215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most widely distributed and abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a class of diseases with a slow onset, progressive progression, and poor prognosis. Common clinical NDDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Although these diseases have different etiologies, they are all associated with neuronal loss and pathological dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and toxic metabolites that are produced and released by activated astrocytes affect and regulate the function of neurons at the receptor, ion channel, antigen transfer, and gene transcription levels in the pathogenesis of NDDs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that play a wide range of biological roles by regulating the transcription and post-transcriptional translation of target mRNAs to induce target gene expression and silencing. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of NDDs by regulating astrocyte function through different mechanisms and may be potential targets for the treatment of NDDs. Here, we review studies of the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of NDDs and discuss possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of astrocyte function, suggesting that miRNAs may be targeted as a novel approach for the treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xing Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianhua Piao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rihua Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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5
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The roles of MicroRNAs in neural regenerative medicine. Exp Neurol 2020; 332:113394. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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6
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Fernández V, Martínez-Martínez MÁ, Prieto-Colomina A, Cárdenas A, Soler R, Dori M, Tomasello U, Nomura Y, López-Atalaya JP, Calegari F, Borrell V. Repression of Irs2 by let-7 miRNAs is essential for homeostasis of the telencephalic neuroepithelium. EMBO J 2020; 39:e105479. [PMID: 32985705 PMCID: PMC7604626 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural integrity and cellular homeostasis of the embryonic stem cell niche are critical for normal tissue development. In the telencephalic neuroepithelium, this is controlled in part by cell adhesion molecules and regulators of progenitor cell lineage, but the specific orchestration of these processes remains unknown. Here, we studied the role of microRNAs in the embryonic telencephalon as key regulators of gene expression. By using the early recombiner Rx-Cre mouse, we identify novel and critical roles of miRNAs in early brain development, demonstrating they are essential to preserve the cellular homeostasis and structural integrity of the telencephalic neuroepithelium. We show that Rx-Cre;DicerF/F mouse embryos have a severe disruption of the telencephalic apical junction belt, followed by invagination of the ventricular surface and formation of hyperproliferative rosettes. Transcriptome analyses and functional experiments in vivo show that these defects result from upregulation of Irs2 upon loss of let-7 miRNAs in an apoptosis-independent manner. Our results reveal an unprecedented relevance of miRNAs in early forebrain development, with potential mechanistic implications in pediatric brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Martínez-Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Anna Prieto-Colomina
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Adrián Cárdenas
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Rafael Soler
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Martina Dori
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies, School of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ugo Tomasello
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Yuki Nomura
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - José P López-Atalaya
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Federico Calegari
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies, School of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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Chen P, Zhang T, Yuan Z, Shen B, Chen L. Expression of the RNA methyltransferase Nsun5 is essential for developing cerebral cortex. Mol Brain 2019; 12:74. [PMID: 31462248 PMCID: PMC6714381 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0496-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nsun5 gene, encoding a cytosine-5 RNA methyltransferase, is deleted in about 95% patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). WBS is a neurodevelopmental disorder and characterized by cognitive disorder. We generated single-gene Nsun5 knockout (Nsun5-KO) mice and reported that the Nsun5 deletion leads to deficit in spatial cognition. This study focused on investigating the influence of Nsun5 deficiency in the development of cerebral cortex. In comparison with wild-type littermates, the cortical thickness in postnatal day 10 Nsun5-KO mice was obviously reduced with an abnormal laminar organization, and the processes of pyramidal cells were shorter and finer. Nsun5 was selectively expressed in radial glial cells (RGCs) of cerebral cortex from embryonic day (E) 12.5 to E16.5, but not in intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs) or neocortical neurons. The Nsun5 deletion did not alter proliferation of RGCs or differentiation of RGCs into IPCs. Notably, the ablation of Nsun5 disrupted the growth of radial glial scaffolds, thus numerous basal processes of RGCs failed to reach pial basement membrane. Level of cell polarity regulator Cdc42 protein in radial glial scaffolds of E14.5 Nsun5-KO mice was reduced, but the level of Cdc42 mRNA was unchanged. The dysfunction of glial scaffolds impeded the radial migration of upper-layer and deeper-layer neurons to cause their subcortical accumulation and apoptosis, resulting in an obvious thinness of the cortical plate in E18.5 Nsun5-KO mice. These findings establish a critical role of Nsun5 in development of cerebral cortex through regulating radial glial scaffolds of RGCs to control migration of neocortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China.,Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China.,Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihao Yuan
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China. .,Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Tianyuan East Road 818, Nanjing, China.
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8
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Yang Z, Liu Q, Shi H, Jiang X, Wang S, Lu Y, Zhang J, Huang X, Yu A. Interleukin 17A exacerbates ER-stress-mediated inflammation of macrophages following ICH. Mol Immunol 2018; 101:38-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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9
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Blandford SN, Galloway DA, Moore CS. The roles of extracellular vesicle microRNAs in the central nervous system. Glia 2018; 66:2267-2278. [PMID: 29726599 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate protein expression and most biological processes. Mature miRNAs are recruited to the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and target mRNAs via complementary base-pairing, thus resulting in translational inhibition and/or transcript degradation. Here, we present evidence implicating miRNAs within extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, as mediators of central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis, and injury. EVs are extracellular vesicles that are secreted by all cells and represent a novel method of intercellular communication. In glial cells, the transfer of miRNAs via EVs can alter the function of recipient cells and significantly impacts cellular mechanisms involved in both injury and repair. This review discusses the value of information to be gained by studying miRNAs within EVs in the context of CNS diseases and their potential use in the development of novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dylan A Galloway
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Craig S Moore
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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10
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Sakamoto K, Crowley JJ. A comprehensive review of the genetic and biological evidence supports a role for MicroRNA-137 in the etiology of schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:242-256. [PMID: 29442441 PMCID: PMC5815396 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Since it was first associated with schizophrenia (SCZ) in a 2011 genome-wide association study (GWAS), there have been over 100 publications focused on MIR137, the gene encoding microRNA-137. These studies have examined everything from its fundamental role in the development of mice, flies, and fish to the intriguing enrichment of its target gene network in SCZ. Indeed, much of the excitement surrounding MIR137 is due to the distinct possibility that it could regulate a gene network involved in SCZ etiology, a disease which we now recognize is highly polygenic. Here we comprehensively review, to the best of our ability, all published genetic and biological evidence that could support or refute a role for MIR137 in the etiology of SCZ. Through a careful consideration of the literature, we conclude that the data gathered to date continues to strongly support the involvement of MIR137 and its target gene network in neuropsychiatric traits, including SCZ risk. There remain, however, more unanswered than answered questions regarding the mechanisms linking MIR137 genetic variation with behavior. These questions need answers before we can determine whether there are opportunities for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions based on MIR137. We conclude with a number of suggestions for future research on MIR137 that could help to provide answers and hope for a greater understanding of this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Sakamoto
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James J. Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Liu Q, Zhang L, Li H. New Insights: MicroRNA Function in CNS Development and Psychiatric Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40495-018-0129-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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12
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Jiao S, Liu Y, Yao Y, Teng J. miR-124 promotes proliferation and differentiation of neuronal stem cells through inactivating Notch pathway. Cell Biosci 2017; 7:68. [PMID: 29238518 PMCID: PMC5725914 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-017-0194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neural stem cells (NSCs) are able to differentiate into neurons and astroglia. miRNAs have been demonstrated to be involved in NSC self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. However, the exact role of miR-124 in the development of NSCs and its underlying mechanism remain to be explored. Methods Primary NSCs were isolated from embryos of Wistar rats. Immunocytochemistry was used to stain purified NSCs. miR-124, Delta-like 4 (DLL4), ki-67, Nestin, β-tubulin III, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), HES1, HEY2, and cyclin D1 (CCND1) expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The interaction between miR-124 and DLL4 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Results NSCs could self-proliferate and differentiate into neurons and astrocyte. miR-124 was up-regulated and DLL4 was down-regulated during NSC differentiation. DLL4 was identified as a target of miR-124 in NSCs. Ectopic expression of miR-124 or knockdown of DLL4 promoted the proliferation and the formation of NSCs to neurospheres. Moreover, miR-124 overexpression or DLL4 down-regulation improved β-tubulin III expression but decreased GFAP expression in NSCs. Furthermore, enforced expression of DLL4 partially reversed the effects of miR-124 on NSCs proliferation and differentiation. Elevated expression of miR-124 suppressed the expressions of HES1, HEY2, and CCND1 in NSCs, while these effects were attenuated following the enhancement of DLL4 expression. Conclusion miR-124 promoted proliferation and differentiation of NSCs through inactivating Notch pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Jiao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1st of Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000 China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1st of Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000 China
| | - Yaobing Yao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1st of Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000 China
| | - Junfang Teng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1st of Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000 China
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13
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Wohl SG, Jorstad NL, Levine EM, Reh TA. Müller glial microRNAs are required for the maintenance of glial homeostasis and retinal architecture. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1603. [PMID: 29150673 PMCID: PMC5693933 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To better understand the roles of microRNAs in glial function, we used a conditional deletion of Dicer1 (Dicer-CKOMG) in retinal Müller glia (MG). Dicer1 deletion from the MG leads to an abnormal migration of the cells as early as 1 month after the deletion. By 6 months after Dicer1 deletion, the MG form large aggregations and severely disrupt normal retinal architecture and function. The most highly upregulated gene in the Dicer-CKOMG MG is the proteoglycan Brevican (Bcan) and overexpression of Bcan results in similar aggregations of the MG in wild-type retina. One potential microRNA that regulates Bcan is miR-9, and overexpression of miR-9 can partly rescue the effects of Dicer1 deletion on the MG phenotype. We also find that MG from retinitis pigmentosa patients display an increase in Brevican immunoreactivity at sites of MG aggregation, linking the retinal remodeling that occurs in chronic disease with microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie G Wohl
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Center, Box 357420, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nikolas L Jorstad
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Center, Box 357420, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Edward M Levine
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Center, Box 357420, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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14
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Liu Q, Jiang M, Kuang Y, Shu X, Li J, Li MW, Li H. Dicer1 Ablation Impairs Responsiveness of Cerebellar Granule Neuron Precursors to Sonic Hedgehog and Disrupts Expression of Distinct Cell Cycle Regulator Genes. THE CEREBELLUM 2017; 16:450-461. [PMID: 27600805 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Granule neuron precursors (GNPs) proliferate under the influence of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) that is secreted by Purkinje neurons during early postnatal cerebellar development. To investigate microRNA (miRNA) function in this developmental process, we conditionally deleted the Dicer1 gene under the activity of human glial fibrillary acidic protein (hGFAP) promoter. We report that Dicer1-ablated GNPs display decreased proliferation and survival at early postnatal stages and that the proliferation defect of mutant GNPs cannot be rescued by treatment of an Shh agonist in vitro as assayed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse labeling and Shh target gene expression detection. Further analysis reveals that the expression of distinct cell cycle regulator genes including cell cycle inhibitor, CDKN1a (p21), selectively increases in Dicer1-ablated GNPs. Subsequently, we demonstrate that miR-17-5p exhibits high expression level in the developing cerebellum and that transfection of a synthetic miR-17-5p mimic downregulates p21 protein expression in GNPs and promotes proliferation of GNPs in culture. Therefore, Dicer1 ablation impairs Shh-induced GNP proliferation by disrupting the expression of distinct cell cycle regulator genes that are targets of miR-17∼92 cluster members. This study establishes a molecular link between miRNAs and cell cycle progression in the proliferating GNPs during normal cerebellar development and may facilitate miRNA application in treating medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- West China Developmental & Stem Cell Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Jiang
- West China Developmental & Stem Cell Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Kuang
- West China Developmental & Stem Cell Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.,School of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiong Shu
- West China Developmental & Stem Cell Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- West China Developmental & Stem Cell Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Matthew W Li
- QSI International School of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Hedong Li
- West China Developmental & Stem Cell Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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15
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He Q, Wang Q, Yuan C, Wang Y. Downregulation of miR-7116-5p in microglia by MPP+sensitizes TNF-α production to induce dopaminergic neuron damage. Glia 2017; 65:1251-1263. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qian He
- Laboratory of Neural Signal Transduction; Institute of Neuroscience; Shanghai 200031 China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Qing Wang
- Laboratory of Neural Signal Transduction; Institute of Neuroscience; Shanghai 200031 China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shanghai 200031 China
| | - Chao Yuan
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Institute of Basic Medical Science; Beijing 100039 China
| | - Yizheng Wang
- Laboratory of Neural Signal Transduction; Institute of Neuroscience; Shanghai 200031 China
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16
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Marinaro F, Marzi MJ, Hoffmann N, Amin H, Pelizzoli R, Niola F, Nicassio F, De Pietri Tonelli D. MicroRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 are essential for neocortical development and TBR1 expression. EMBO Rep 2017; 18:603-618. [PMID: 28232627 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201642800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that the miRNA biogenesis factors DROSHA, DGCR8, and DICER exert non-overlapping functions, and have also roles in miRNA-independent regulatory mechanisms. However, it is currently unknown whether miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 play any role in the maintenance of neuronal progenitors and during corticogenesis. Here, by phenotypic comparison of cortices from conditional Dgcr8 and Dicer knockout mice, we show that Dgcr8 deletion, in contrast to Dicer depletion, leads to premature differentiation of neural progenitor cells and overproduction of TBR1-positive neurons. Remarkably, depletion of miRNAs upon DCGR8 loss is reduced compared to DICER loss, indicating that these phenotypic differences are mediated by miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8. We show that Dgcr8 mutations induce an earlier and stronger phenotype in the developing nervous system compared to Dicer mutants and that miRNA-independent functions of DGCR8 are critical for corticogenesis. Finally, our data also suggest that the Microprocessor complex, with DROSHA and DGCR8 as core components, directly regulates the Tbr1 transcript, containing evolutionarily conserved hairpins that resemble miRNA precursors, independently of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marinaro
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo J Marzi
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadin Hoffmann
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hayder Amin
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Pelizzoli
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Niola
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicassio
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
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17
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Quinlan S, Kenny A, Medina M, Engel T, Jimenez-Mateos EM. MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases. MIRNAS IN AGING AND CANCER 2017; 334:309-343. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Radhakrishnan B, Alwin Prem Anand A. Role of miRNA-9 in Brain Development. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:101-120. [PMID: 27721656 PMCID: PMC5053108 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s32843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small regulatory RNAs involved in gene regulation. The regulation is effected by either translational inhibition or transcriptional silencing. In vertebrates, the importance of miRNA in development was discovered from mice and zebrafish dicer knockouts. The miRNA-9 (miR-9) is one of the most highly expressed miRNAs in the early and adult vertebrate brain. It has diverse functions within the developing vertebrate brain. In this article, the role of miR-9 in the developing forebrain (telencephalon and diencephalon), midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord of vertebrate species is highlighted. In the forebrain, miR-9 is necessary for the proper development of dorsoventral telencephalon by targeting marker genes expressed in the telencephalon. It regulates proliferation in telencephalon by regulating Foxg1, Pax6, Gsh2, and Meis2 genes. The feedback loop regulation between miR-9 and Nr2e1/Tlx helps in neuronal migration and differentiation. Targeting Foxp1 and Foxp2, and Map1b by miR-9 regulates the radial migration of neurons and axonal development. In the organizers, miR-9 is inversely regulated by hairy1 and Fgf8 to maintain zona limitans interthalamica and midbrain–hindbrain boundary (MHB). It maintains the MHB by inhibiting Fgf signaling genes and is involved in the neurogenesis of the midbrain–hindbrain by regulating Her genes. In the hindbrain, miR-9 modulates progenitor proliferation and differentiation by regulating Her genes and Elav3. In the spinal cord, miR-9 modulates the regulation of Foxp1 and Onecut1 for motor neuron development. In the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, miR-9 is necessary for proper neuronal progenitor maintenance, neurogenesis, and differentiation. In vertebrate brain development, miR-9 is involved in regulating several region-specific genes in a spatiotemporal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Alwin Prem Anand
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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19
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Nowakowski TJ, Pollen AA, Sandoval-Espinosa C, Kriegstein AR. Transformation of the Radial Glia Scaffold Demarcates Two Stages of Human Cerebral Cortex Development. Neuron 2016; 91:1219-1227. [PMID: 27657449 PMCID: PMC5087333 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The classic view of cortical development, embodied in the radial unit hypothesis, highlights the ventricular radial glia (vRG) scaffold as a key architectonic feature of the developing neocortex. The scaffold includes continuous fibers spanning the thickness of the developing cortex during neurogenesis across mammals. However, we find that in humans, the scaffold transforms into a physically discontinuous structure during the transition from infragranular to supragranular neuron production. As a consequence of this transformation, supragranular layer neurons arrive at their terminal positions in the cortical plate along outer radial glia (oRG) cell fibers. In parallel, the radial glia that contact the ventricle develop distinct gene expression profile and "truncated" morphology. We propose a supragranular layer expansion hypothesis that posits a deterministic role of oRG cells in the radial and tangential expansion of supragranular layers in primates, with implications for patterns of neuronal migration, area patterning, and cortical folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Alex A Pollen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Carmen Sandoval-Espinosa
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arnold R Kriegstein
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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20
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Luoni A, Riva MA. MicroRNAs and psychiatric disorders: From aetiology to treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 167:13-27. [PMID: 27452338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of psychiatric disorders relies on the interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental adversities. Several studies have demonstrated a crucial role for epigenetics (e.g. DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications and microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation) in the translation of environmental cues into adult behavioural outcome, which can prove to be harmful thus increasing the risk to develop psychopathology. Within this frame, non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs, came to light as pivotal regulators of many biological processes occurring in the Central Nervous System, both during the neuronal development as well as in the regulation of adult function, including learning, memory and neuronal plasticity. On these basis, in recent years it has been hypothesised a central role for microRNA modulation and expression regulation in many brain disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders and mental illnesses. Indeed, the aim of the present review is to present the most recent state of the art regarding microRNA involvement in psychiatric disorders. We will first describe the mechanisms that regulate microRNA biogenesis and we will report evidences of microRNA dysregulation in peripheral body fluids, in postmortem brain tissues from patients suffering from psychopathology as well as in animal models. Last, we will discuss the potential to consider microRNAs as putative target for pharmacological intervention, using common psychotropic drugs or more specific tools, with the aim to normalize functions that are disrupted in different psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Luoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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