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Marangon D, Castro e Silva JH, Cerrato V, Boda E, Lecca D. Oligodendrocyte Progenitors in Glial Scar: A Bet on Remyelination. Cells 2024; 13:1024. [PMID: 38920654 PMCID: PMC11202012 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) represent a subtype of glia, giving rise to oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS). While OPCs are highly proliferative during development, they become relatively quiescent during adulthood, when their fate is strictly influenced by the extracellular context. In traumatic injuries and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including those of autoimmune origin, oligodendrocytes undergo apoptosis, and demyelination starts. Adult OPCs become immediately activated; they migrate at the lesion site and proliferate to replenish the damaged area, but their efficiency is hampered by the presence of a glial scar-a barrier mainly formed by reactive astrocytes, microglia and the deposition of inhibitory extracellular matrix components. If, on the one hand, a glial scar limits the lesion spreading, it also blocks tissue regeneration. Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing astrocyte or microglia activation and shifting them toward a neuroprotective phenotype have been proposed, whereas the role of OPCs has been largely overlooked. In this review, we have considered the glial scar from the perspective of OPCs, analysing their behaviour when lesions originate and exploring the potential therapies aimed at sustaining OPCs to efficiently differentiate and promote remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marangon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (J.H.C.e.S.)
| | - Juliana Helena Castro e Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (J.H.C.e.S.)
| | - Valentina Cerrato
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Boda
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Lecca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (J.H.C.e.S.)
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Wang J, Zhen Y, Yang J, Yang S, Zhu G. Recognizing Alzheimer's disease from perspective of oligodendrocytes: Phenomena or pathogenesis? CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14688. [PMID: 38516808 PMCID: PMC10958408 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of amyloid beta, tau hyperphosphorylation, and microglia activation are the three highly acknowledged pathological factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, oligodendrocytes (OLs) were also widely investigated in the pathogenesis and treatment for AD. AIMS We aimed to update the regulatory targets of the differentiation and maturation of OLs, and emphasized the key role of OLs in the occurrence and treatment of AD. METHODS This review first concluded the targets of OL differentiation and maturation with AD pathogenesis, and then advanced the key role of OLs in the pathogenesis of AD based on both clinic and basic experiments. Later, we extensively discussed the possible application of the current progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease. RESULTS Molecules involving in OLs' differentiation or maturation, including various transcriptional factors, cholesterol homeostasis regulators, and microRNAs could also participate in the pathogenesis of AD. Clinical data point towards the impairment of OLs in AD patients. Basic research further supports the central role of OLs in the regulation of AD pathologies. Additionally, classic drugs, including donepezil, edaravone, fluoxetine, and clemastine demonstrate their potential in remedying OL impairment in AD models, and new therapeutics from the perspective of OLs is constantly being developed. CONCLUSIONS We believe that OL dysfunction is one important pathogenesis of AD. Factors regulating OLs might be biomarkers for early diagnosis and agents stimulating OLs warrant the development of anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingji Wang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Anhui ProvinceThe Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Yilan Zhen
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Jun Yang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
- The First Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Shaojie Yang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
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Marangon D, Lecca D. Exosomal non-coding RNAs in glioma progression: insights into tumor microenvironment dynamics and therapeutic implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1275755. [PMID: 38020906 PMCID: PMC10646304 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1275755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common and deadly types of brain tumors, known for their extensive genetic and epigenetic variability, which poses considerable challenges for pharmacological treatment. Glioma heterogeneity is also related to their intricate and dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises a diverse array of cell types, including immune cells, vascular cells, glial cells, and neural precursors, collectively influencing tumor behavior and progression. A pivotal aspect of this intercellular communication relies on the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain and transfer complex molecular cargoes typical of their cells of origin, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, metabolites, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that encompass microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Glioma cells actively release EVs loaded with specific ncRNAs that can target genes and other ncRNAs in recipient cells residing within the TME. Among these recipient cells, prominent players include tumor-associated macrophages and microglia (TAMs), non-neoplastic astrocytes and endothelial cells. The intricate interplay between EVs derived from glioma cells and these recipient cells significantly contributes to the establishment of a tumor-permissive microenvironment, promoting tumor cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and invasion, by targeting various downstream pathways. This review critically examines the current understanding of the intricate interplay between glioma, exosomal ncRNAs, and various components of the glioma TME. By shedding light on the roles of ncRNAs in mediating intercellular communication, this review underscores their significance in orchestrating TME transformation and highlights their potential as novel therapeutic targets for effectively tackling glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marangon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Acosta-Galeana I, Hernández-Martínez R, Reyes-Cruz T, Chiquete E, Aceves-Buendia JDJ. RNA-binding proteins as a common ground for neurodegeneration and inflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1193636. [PMID: 37475885 PMCID: PMC10355071 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1193636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurodegenerative and inflammatory illnesses of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis were once thought to be completely distinct entities that did not share any remarkable features, but new research is beginning to reveal more information about their similarities and differences. Here, we review some of the pathophysiological features of both diseases and their experimental models: RNA-binding proteins, energy balance, protein transportation, and protein degradation at the molecular level. We make a thorough analysis on TDP-43 and hnRNP A1 dysfunction, as a possible common ground in both pathologies, establishing a potential link between neurodegeneration and pathological immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the putative variations that diverge from a common ground in an atemporal course that proposes three phases for all relevant molecular events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tania Reyes-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erwin Chiquete
- Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jose de Jesus Aceves-Buendia
- Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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5
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Rocha DN, Carvalho ED, Pires LR, Gardin C, Zanolla I, Szewczyk PK, Machado C, Fernandes R, Stachewicz U, Zavan B, Relvas JB, Pêgo AP. It takes two to remyelinate: A bioengineered platform to study astrocyte-oligodendrocyte crosstalk and potential therapeutic targets in remyelination. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 151:213429. [PMID: 37148597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The loss of the myelin sheath insulating axons is the hallmark of demyelinating diseases. These pathologies often lead to irreversible neurological impairment and patient disability. No effective therapies are currently available to promote remyelination. Several elements contribute to the inadequacy of remyelination, thus understanding the intricacies of the cellular and signaling microenvironment of the remyelination niche might help us to devise better strategies to enhance remyelination. Here, using a new in vitro rapid myelinating artificial axon system based on engineered microfibres, we investigated how reactive astrocytes influence oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation and myelination ability. This artificial axon culture system enables the effective uncoupling of molecular cues from the biophysical properties of the axons, allowing the detailed study of the astrocyte-OL crosstalk. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were cultured on poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-ε-caprolactone) copolymer electrospun microfibres that served as surrogate axons. This platform was then combined with a previously established tissue engineered glial scar model of astrocytes embedded in 1 % (w/v) alginate matrices, in which astrocyte reactive phenotype was acquired using meningeal fibroblast conditioned medium. OPCs were shown to adhere to uncoated engineered microfibres and differentiate into myelinating OL. Reactive astrocytes were found to significantly impair OL differentiation ability, after six and eight days in a co-culture system. Differentiation impairment was seen to be correlated with astrocytic miRNA release through exosomes. We found significantly reduction on the expression of pro-myelinating miRNAs (miR-219 and miR-338) and an increase in anti-myelinating miRNA (miR-125a-3p) content between reactive and quiescent astrocytes. Additionally, we show that OPC differentiation inhibition could be reverted by rescuing the activated astrocytic phenotype with ibuprofen, a chemical inhibitor of the small rhoGTPase RhoA. Overall, these findings show that modulating astrocytic function might be an interesting therapeutic avenue for demyelinating diseases. The use of these engineered microfibres as an artificial axon culture system will enable the screening for potential therapeutic agents that promote OL differentiation and myelination while providing valuable insight on the myelination/remyelination processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela N Rocha
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva D Carvalho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana R Pires
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Chiara Gardin
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Cotignola, 48033 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanolla
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Piotr K Szewczyk
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Cláudia Machado
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Fernandes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Urszula Stachewicz
- Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Zavan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P Pêgo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-343 Porto, Portugal.
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Marangon D, Castro e Silva JH, Lecca D. Neuronal and Glial Communication via Non-Coding RNAs: Messages in Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010470. [PMID: 36613914 PMCID: PMC9820657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been increasingly recognized as essential players in cell communication in many organs and systems, including the central nervous system (CNS). A proper interaction between neural cells is fundamental in the regulation of neurophysiological processes and its alteration could induce several pathological phenomena, such as neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and demyelination. EVs contain and transfer complex molecular cargoes typical of their cells of origin, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and metabolites to recipient cells. EVs are also enriched in non-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNA), which were formerly considered as cell-intrinsic regulators of CNS functions and pathologies, thus representing a new layer of regulation in the cell-to-cell communication. In this review, we summarize the most recent and advanced studies on the role of EV-derived ncRNAs in the CNS. First, we report the potential of neural stem cell-derived ncRNAs as new therapeutic tools for neurorepair. Then, we discuss the role of neuronal ncRNAs in regulating glia activation, and how alteration in glial ncRNAs influences neuronal survival and synaptic functions. We conclude that EV-derived ncRNAs can act as intercellular signals in the CNS to either propagate neuroinflammatory waves or promote reparative functions.
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7
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Marangon D, Audano M, Pedretti S, Fumagalli M, Mitro N, Lecca D, Caruso D, Abbracchio MP. Rewiring of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Induced by G Protein-Coupled Receptor 17 Silencing Enables the Transition of Oligodendrocyte Progenitors to Myelinating Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152369. [PMID: 35954217 PMCID: PMC9368002 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mature central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes (OLs) provide support and insulation to axons thanks to the production of a myelin sheath. During their maturation to myelinating cells, OLs require energy and building blocks for lipids, which implies a great investment of energy fuels and molecular sources of carbon. The oligodendroglial G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) has emerged as a key player in OL maturation; it reaches maximal expression in pre-OLs, but then it has to be internalized to allow terminal maturation. In this study, we aim at elucidating the role of physiological GPR17 downregulation in OL metabolism by applying transcriptomics, metabolomics and lipidomics on differentiating OLs. After GPR17 silencing, we found a significant increase in mature OL markers and alteration of several genes involved in glucose metabolism and lipid biosynthesis. We also observed an increased release of lactate, which is partially responsible for the maturation boost induced by GPR17 downregulation. Concomitantly, GPR17 depletion also changed the kinetics of specific myelin lipid classes. Globally, this study unveils a functional link between GPR17 expression, lactate release and myelin composition, and suggests that innovative interventions targeting GPR17 may help to foster endogenous myelination in demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marangon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Matteo Audano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (S.P.); (M.F.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (S.P.); (M.F.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Marta Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (S.P.); (M.F.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (S.P.); (M.F.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Davide Lecca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (S.P.); (M.F.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Maria P. Abbracchio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (D.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-8304
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Ngo C, Kothary R. MicroRNAs in oligodendrocyte development and remyelination. J Neurochem 2022; 162:310-321. [PMID: 35536759 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are the glial cells responsible for the formation of myelin around axons of the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is an insulating layer that allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along neurons. If myelin is damaged, as in chronic demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), these impulses slow down. Remyelination by oligodendrocytes is often ineffective in MS, in part because of the failure of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to differentiate into mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes. The process of oligodendrocyte differentiation is tightly controlled by several regulatory networks involving transcription factors, intracellular signaling pathways, and extrinsic cues. Understanding the factors that regulate oligodendrocyte development is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies capable of enhancing remyelination. Over the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of oligodendrocyte development, exerting effects on cell specification, proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. This article will review the role of miRNAs on oligodendrocyte biology and discuss their potential as promising therapeutic tools for remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Ngo
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Suster I, Feng Y. Multifaceted Regulation of MicroRNA Biogenesis: Essential Roles and Functional Integration in Neuronal and Glial Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136765. [PMID: 34201807 PMCID: PMC8269442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that function as endogenous gene silencers. Soon after the discovery of miRNAs, a subset of brain-enriched and brain-specific miRNAs were identified and significant advancements were made in delineating miRNA function in brain development. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate miRNA biogenesis in normal and diseased brains has become a prevailing challenge. Besides transcriptional regulation of miRNA host genes, miRNA processing intermediates are subjected to multifaceted regulation by canonical miRNA processing enzymes, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and epitranscriptomic modifications. Further still, miRNA activity can be regulated by the sponging activity of other non-coding RNA classes, namely circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Differential abundance of these factors in neuronal and glial lineages partly underlies the spatiotemporal expression and function of lineage-specific miRNAs. Here, we review the continuously evolving understanding of the regulation of neuronal and glial miRNA biogenesis at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels and the cooperativity of miRNA species in targeting key mRNAs to drive lineage-specific development. In addition, we review dysregulation of neuronal and glial miRNAs and the detrimental impacts which contribute to developmental brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yue Feng
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-404-727-0351
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