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Puranik N, Song M. Insights into the Role of microRNAs as Clinical Tools for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and as Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9936. [PMID: 39337429 PMCID: PMC11431957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a diverse group of neurological disorders characterized by alterations in the structure and function of the central nervous system. Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by impaired memory and cognitive abilities, is the most prevalent type of senile dementia. Loss of synapses, intracellular aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and extracellular amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) plaques are the hallmarks of AD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules that bind to the 3' and 5' untranslated regions of target genes to cause post-transcriptional gene silencing. The brain expresses over 70% of all experimentally detected miRNAs, and these miRNAs are crucial for synaptic function and particular signals during memory formation. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs play a role in AD pathogenesis and we provide an overview of the role of miRNAs in synapse formation, Aβ synthesis, tau protein accumulation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-associated AD pathogenesis. We further summarize and discuss the role of miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for AD detection and differentiation between early- and late-stage AD, based on recent research. In conclusion, altered expression of miRNAs in the brain and peripheral circulation demonstrates their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Puranik
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseok Song
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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Fang G, Zhou Y, Zhou X, Zhou H, Ge YY, Luo S, Chen JF, Zhang L. The adenosine A 2A receptor antagonist protects against retinal mitochondrial injury in association with an altered network of competing endogenous RNAs. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108981. [PMID: 35149135 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) protects against neuronal damage caused by various brain insults including mitochondrial toxicity, but the precise neuroprotective mechanisms are unclear. Here, we studied the effects of the A2AR antagonist KW6002 on retinal injury induced by the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler, carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP) and alterations in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. We found that KW6002 treatment partially reversed CCCP-induced reduction in retinal thickness and retinal ganglia cell number by increasing mitochondrial content and reducing retinal ganglia cells apoptosis. Furthermore, we employed whole-transcriptome sequencing to explore ceRNA network changes associated with CCCP-induced retinal injury and its reversal by KW6002. This analysis revealed that A2AR blockade reduced the number of CCCP-induced microRNAs by ∼60%, but increased the number of CCCP-induced circular RNAs by ∼50%. Among CeRNA network changes, CCCP-induced retinal injury was associated with a possible enrichment of the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and its related 126 microRNAs, 237 long non-coding RNAs, 58 circular RNAs competing. Moreover, the A2AR antagonist-mediated protection against CCCP-induced retinal injury was possibly associated with the up-regulation of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its related 4 microRNAs competed by 43 long non-coding RNAs and 9 circular RNAs competing. These ceRNA network alterations by CCCP treatment and its reversal by A2AR antagonist may contribute to understanding the transcriptome mechanism for protection against CCCP-induced retinal injury by A2AR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengjing Fang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yuling Zhou
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhou
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ge
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Shengtao Luo
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Liping Zhang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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He QZ, Zhu BQ, Xu XN, Zeng HC. Role of the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in the cytotoxicity of bisphenol S in SK-N-SH cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:1-11. [PMID: 33749030 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) is associated with neurotoxicity, but its molecular mechanisms are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase B (TrkB)/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in BPS-induced cytotoxicity in SK-N-SH cells. The cells were treated with various concentrations of BPS, and cell viability, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the BDNF, cleaved-caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), TrkB, CREB, and phospho-CREB (p-CREB) levels were determined. The effects of pretreatment with the TrkB activator 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) were also explored. BPS decreased SK-N-SH cell viability and altered their morphology. Their apoptosis rate was increased, as were the levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, but MMP was decreased. Thus, BPS may induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways. BPS also reduced the BDNF, TrkB, and p-CREB levels, and pretreatment with 7,8-DHF alleviated its cytotoxic effects. Thus, BPS-induced cytotoxicity might be mediated by the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Zhi He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Bi-Qi Zhu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiao-Na Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Huai-Cai Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Abstract
MicroRNAs as critical regulators of gene expression important for functions including neuronal development, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity have been linked with the regulation of neurobiological systems that underlie anxiety processing in the brain. In this chapter, we give an update on associative evidence linking regulation of microRNAs with anxiety- and trauma-related disorders. Moving beyond correlative research, functional studies have emerged recently that explore causal relationships between microRNA expression and anxiety-like behavior. It has been demonstrated that experimental up- or downregulation of the candidate microRNAs in important nodes of the anxiety neurocircuitry can indeed modulate anxiety-related behavior in animal models. Improved methodologies for assessing microRNA-mediated modulation have aided such functional studies, revealing a number of anxiety-regulating microRNAs including miR-15a, miR-17-92, miR-34, miR-101, miR-124, miR-135, and miR-155. Important functional target genes of these identified microRNAs are associated with specific neurotransmitter/neuromodulator signaling, neurotrophin (e.g., BDNF) expression and other aspects of synaptic plasticity, as well as with stress-regulatory/hypothalamic-pituitary-axis function. Furthermore, microRNAs have been revealed that are regulated in distinct brain regions following various anxiety-attenuating strategies. These include pharmacological treatments such as antidepressants and other drugs, as well as non-pharmacological interventions such as fear extinction/exposure therapy or positive stimuli such as exposure to environmental enrichment. These are first indications for a role for microRNAs in the mechanism of action of anxiolytic treatments. As research continues, there is much hope that a deeper understanding of the microRNA-mediated mechanisms underlying anxiety-related disorders could open up possibilities for future novel biomarker and treatment strategies.
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La Rovere M, Franzago M, Stuppia L. Epigenetics and Neurological Disorders in ART. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174169. [PMID: 31454921 PMCID: PMC6747212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
About 1–4% of children are currently generated by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in developed countries. These babies show only a slightly increased risk of neonatal malformations. However, follow-up studies have suggested a higher susceptibility to multifactorial, adult onset disorders like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in ART offspring. It has been suggested that these conditions could be the consequence of epigenetic, alterations, due to artificial manipulations of gametes and embryos potentially able to alter epigenetic stability during zygote reprogramming. In the last years, epigenetic alterations have been invoked as a possible cause of increased risk of neurological disorders, but at present the link between epigenetic modifications and long-term effects in terms of neurological diseases in ART children remains unclear, due to the short follow up limiting retrospective studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about neurological disorders promoted by epigenetics alterations in ART. Based on data currently available, it is possible to conclude that little, if any, evidence of an increased risk of neurological disorders in ART conceived children is provided. Most important, the large majority of reports appears to be limited to epidemiological studies, not providing any experimental evidence about epigenetic modifications responsible for an increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina La Rovere
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Aging Center Studies-Translational Medicine (CeSI-Met), "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
- Aging Center Studies-Translational Medicine (CeSI-Met), "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
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Siokas V, Kardaras D, Aloizou AM, Asproudis I, Boboridis KG, Papageorgiou E, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Tsironi EE, Dardiotis E. BDNF rs6265 (Val66Met) Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Blepharospasm. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 21:68-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8519-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Developing integrated PBPK/PD coupled mechanistic pathway model (miRNA-BDNF): An approach towards system toxicology. Toxicol Lett 2017; 280:79-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Guo XX, He QZ, Li W, Long DX, Pan XY, Chen C, Zeng HC. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Mediated Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Induced-Neurotoxicity via Epigenetics Regulation in SK-N-SH Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040893. [PMID: 28441774 PMCID: PMC5412472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a new kind of persistent organic pollutant, is widely distributed in the environment and exists in various organisms, where it is also a neurotoxic compound. However, the potential mechanism of its neurotoxicity is still unclear. To examine the role of epigenetics in the neurotoxicity induced by PFOS, SK-N-SH cells were treated with different concentrations of PFOS or control medium (0.1% DMSO) for 48 h. The mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), microRNA-16, microRNA-22, and microRNA-30a-5p were detected by Quantitative PCR (QPCR). Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure the protein levels of BDNF, and a western blot was applied to analyze the protein levels of DNMTs. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to detect the methylation status of the BDNF promoter I and IV. Results of MTT assays indicated that treatment with PFOS could lead to a significant decrease of cell viability, and the treated cells became shrunk. In addition, PFOS exposure decreased the expression of BDNF at mRNA and protein levels, increased the expression of microRNA-16, microRNA-22, microRNA-30a-5p, and decreased the expression of DNMT1 at mRNA and protein levels, but increased the expression of DNMT3b at mRNA and protein levels. Our results also demonstrate that PFOS exposure changes the methylation status of BDNF promoter I and IV. The findings of the present study suggest that methylation regulation of BDNF gene promoter and increases of BDNF-related-microRNA might underlie the mechanisms of PFOS-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Qing-Zhi He
- School of Pharmacy and Biology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Wu Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Ding-Xin Long
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Xiao-Yuan Pan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Huai-Cai Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China.
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Chen KW, Chen L. Epigenetic Regulation of BDNF Gene during Development and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030571. [PMID: 28272318 PMCID: PMC5372587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for the development of the nervous system, proper cognitive function and memory formation. While aberrant expression of BDNF has been implicated in neurological disorders, the transcriptional regulation of BDNF remains to be elucidated. In response to different stimuli, BDNF expression can be initiated from different promoters. Several studies have suggested that the expression of BDNF is regulated by promoter methylation. An emerging theme points to the possibility that histone modifications at the BDNF promoters may link to the neurological pathology. Thus, understanding the epigenetic regulation at the BDNF promoters will shed light on future therapies for neurological disorders. The present review summarizes the current knowledge of histone modifications of the BDNF gene in neuronal diseases, as well as the developmental regulation of the BDNF gene based on data from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Wei Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Linyi Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
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