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Lepiarz-Raba I, Hidayat T, Hannan AJ, Jawaid A. Potential Alzheimer's disease drug targets identified through microglial biology research. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:587-602. [PMID: 38590098 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2335210] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microglia, the primary immune cells in the brain, play multifaceted roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia can potentially mitigate the pathological progression of AD by clearing amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits in the brain and through neurotrophic support. In contrast, disproportionate activation of microglial pro-inflammatory pathways, as well as excessive elimination of healthy synapses, can exacerbate neurodegeneration in AD. The challenge, therefore, lies in discerning the precise regulation of the contrasting microglial properties to harness their therapeutic potential in AD. AREAS COVERED This review examines the evidence relevant to the disease-modifying effects of microglial manipulators in AD preclinical models. The deleterious pro-inflammatory effects of microglia in AD can be ameliorated via direct suppression or indirectly through metabolic manipulation, epigenetic targeting, and modulation of the gut-brain axis. Furthermore, microglial clearance of Aβ deposits in AD can be enhanced via strategically targeting microglial membrane receptors, lysosomal functions, and metabolism. EXPERT OPINION Given the intricate and diverse nature of microglial responses throughout the course of AD, therapeutic interventions directed at microglia warrant a tactical approach. This could entail employing therapeutic regimens, which concomitantly suppress pro-inflammatory microglial responses while selectively enhancing Aβ phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Lepiarz-Raba
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Exposures and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), Braincity: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Taufik Hidayat
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Exposures and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), Braincity: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Exposures and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), Braincity: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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Kourti M, Metaxas A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of tau phosphorylation in mouse models of familial Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106427. [PMID: 38307366 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106427] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgenic models of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) serve as valuable tools for probing the molecular mechanisms associated with amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced pathology. In this meta-analysis, we sought to evaluate levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and explore potential age-related variations in tau hyperphosphorylation, within mouse models of AD. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies measuring soluble p-tau in 5xFAD, APPswe/PSEN1de9, J20 and APP23 mice. Data were extracted and analyzed using standardized procedures. For the 5xFAD model, the search yielded 36 studies eligible for meta-analysis. Levels of p-tau were higher in 5xFAD mice relative to control, a difference that was evident in both the carboxy-terminal (CT) and proline-rich (PR) domains of tau. Age negatively moderated the relationship between genotype and CT phosphorylated tau in studies using hybrid mice, female mice, and preparations from the neocortex. For the APPswe/PSEN1de9 model, the search yielded 27 studies. Analysis showed tau hyperphosphorylation in transgenic vs. control animals, evident in both the CT and PR regions of tau. Age positively moderated the relationship between genotype and PR domain phosphorylated tau in the neocortex of APPswe/PSEN1de9 mice. A meta-analysis was not performed for the J20 and APP23 models, due to the limited number of studies measuring p-tau levels in these mice (<10 studies). Although tau is hyperphosphorylated in both 5xFAD and APPswe/PSEN1de9 mice, the effects of ageing on p-tau are contingent upon the model being examined. These observations emphasize the importance of tailoring model selection to the appropriate disease stage when considering the relationship between Aβ and tau, and suggest that there are optimal intervention points for the administration of both anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malamati Kourti
- School of Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, 2404 Egkomi, Nicosia, Cyprus; Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, 2404 Egkomi, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Athanasios Metaxas
- School of Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, 2404 Egkomi, Nicosia, Cyprus; Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Wang Y, Liang J, Xu B, Yang J, Wu Z, Cheng L. TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway and its small molecular agonists in CNS injury. Life Sci 2024; 336:122282. [PMID: 38008209 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122282] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most prevalent neurotrophic factors in the central nervous system (CNS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a significant role in CNS injury by binding to its specific receptor Tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB). The BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway is crucial for neuronal survival, structural changes, and plasticity. BDNF acts as an axonal growth and extension factor, a pro-survival factor, and a synaptic modulator in the CNS. BDNF also plays an important role in the maintenance and plasticity of neuronal circuits. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of BDNF in the treatment and recovery of neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic disorders. By undertaking in-depth study on the mechanism of BDNF/TrkB function, important novel therapeutic strategies for treating neuropsychiatric disorders have been discovered. In this review, we discuss the expression patterns and mechanisms of the TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway in CNS damage and introduce several intriguing small molecule TrkB receptor agonists produced over the previous several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Wang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Boyu Xu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhourui Wu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China.
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Thapak P, Smith G, Ying Z, Paydar A, Harris N, Gomez-Pinilla F. The BDNF mimetic R-13 attenuates TBI pathogenesis using TrkB-related pathways and bioenergetics. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166781. [PMID: 37286142 PMCID: PMC10619508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166781] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is major neurological burden globally, and effective treatments are urgently needed. TBI is characterized by a reduction in energy metabolism and synaptic function that seems a primary cause of neuronal dysfunction. R13, a small drug and BDNF mimetic showed promising results in improving spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior after TBI. Additionally, R13 was found to counteract reductions in molecules associated with BDNF signaling (p-TrkB, p-PI3K, p-AKT), synaptic plasticity (GluR2, PSD95, Synapsin I) as well as bioenergetic components such as mitophagy (SOD, PGC-1α, PINK1, Parkin, BNIP3, and LC3) and real-time mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Behavioral and molecular changes were accompanied by adaptations in functional connectivity assessed using MRI. Results highlight the potential of R13 as a therapeutic agent for TBI and provide valuable insights into the molecular and functional changes associated with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Thapak
- Dept. Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Gregory Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Zhe Ying
- Dept. Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Afshin Paydar
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Neil Harris
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; Intellectual Development and Disabilities Research Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fernando Gomez-Pinilla
- Dept. Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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Wu YH, Hsieh HL. Effects of Redox Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Damage on Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1816. [PMID: 37891895 PMCID: PMC10604635 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioenergetic mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), where redox imbalance also plays an important role in terms of disease development. AD is an age-related disease and begins many years before the appearance of neurodegenerative symptoms. Intracellular tau aggregation, extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in the brain, and even the APOE4 genotype contribute to the process of AD by impairing redox homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review summarizes the evidence for the redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD and demonstrates the current therapeutic strategies related to mitochondrial maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan or
| | - Hsi-Lung Hsieh
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan or
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Chen C, Wang J, Pan D, Wang X, Xu Y, Yan J, Wang L, Yang X, Yang M, Liu G. Applications of multi-omics analysis in human diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e315. [PMID: 37533767 PMCID: PMC10390758 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-omics usually refers to the crossover application of multiple high-throughput screening technologies represented by genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, spatial transcriptomics, and so on, which play a great role in promoting the study of human diseases. Most of the current reviews focus on describing the development of multi-omics technologies, data integration, and application to a particular disease; however, few of them provide a comprehensive and systematic introduction of multi-omics. This review outlines the existing technical categories of multi-omics, cautions for experimental design, focuses on the integrated analysis methods of multi-omics, especially the approach of machine learning and deep learning in multi-omics data integration and the corresponding tools, and the application of multi-omics in medical researches (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and drug target discovery) as well as the corresponding open-source analysis tools and databases, and finally, discusses the challenges and future directions of multi-omics integration and application in precision medicine. With the development of high-throughput technologies and data integration algorithms, as important directions of multi-omics for future disease research, single-cell multi-omics and spatial multi-omics also provided a detailed introduction. This review will provide important guidance for researchers, especially who are just entering into multi-omics medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
- Co‐innovation Center of NeurodegenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Jing Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern ToxicologyShenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology (2020–2024)Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and PreventionShenzhenChina
| | - Donghui Pan
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Yuping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Junjie Yan
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Lizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Xifei Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern ToxicologyShenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology (2020–2024)Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and PreventionShenzhenChina
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear MedicineMinistry of HealthJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Gong‐Ping Liu
- Co‐innovation Center of NeurodegenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
- Department of PathophysiologySchool of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological DisordersTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Numakawa T, Kajihara R. Neurotrophins and Other Growth Factors in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030647. [PMID: 36983803 PMCID: PMC10051261 DOI: 10.3390/life13030647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the changed expression/function of neurotrophic factors in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has been suggested. AD is one of the age-related dementias, and is characterized by cognitive impairment with decreased memory function. Developing evidence demonstrates that decreased cell survival, synaptic dysfunction, and reduced neurogenesis are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. On the other hand, it is well known that neurotrophic factors, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor TrkB, have multiple roles in the central nervous system (CNS), including neuronal maintenance, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, which are closely linked to learning and memory function. Thus, many investigations regarding therapeutic approaches to AD, and/or the screening of novel drug candidates for its treatment, focus on upregulation of the BDNF/TrkB system. Furthermore, current studies also demonstrate that GDNF, IGF1, and bFGF, which play roles in neuroprotection, are associated with AD. In this review, we introduce data demonstrating close relationships between the pathogenesis of AD, neurotrophic factors, and drug candidates, including natural compounds that upregulate the BDNF-mediated neurotrophic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Numakawa
- Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Ryutaro Kajihara
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
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Just-Borràs L, Cilleros-Mañé V, Polishchuk A, Balanyà-Segura M, Tomàs M, Garcia N, Tomàs J, Lanuza MA. TrkB signaling is correlated with muscular fatigue resistance and less vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1069940. [PMID: 36618825 PMCID: PMC9813967 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1069940] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), motor neurons and myocytes maintain a bidirectional communication that guarantees adequate functionality. Thus, motor neurons' firing pattern, which is influenced by retrograde muscle-derived neurotrophic factors, modulates myocyte contractibility. Myocytes can be fast-twitch fibers and become easily fatigued or slow-twitch fibers and resistant to fatigue. Extraocular muscles (EOM) show mixed properties that guarantee fast contraction speed and resistance to fatigue and the degeneration caused by Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. The TrkB signaling is an activity-dependent pathway implicated in the NMJ well-functioning. Therefore, it could mediate the differences between fast and slow myocytes' resistance to fatigue. The present study elucidates a specific protein expression profile concerning the TrkB signaling that correlates with higher resistance to fatigue and better neuroprotective capacity through time. The results unveil that Extra-ocular muscles (EOM) express lower levels of NT-4 that extend TrkB signaling, differential PKC expression, and a higher abundance of phosphorylated synaptic proteins that correlate with continuous neurotransmission requirements. Furthermore, common molecular features between EOM and slow soleus muscles including higher neurotrophic consumption and classic and novel PKC isoforms balance correlate with better preservation of these two muscles in ALS. Altogether, higher resistance of Soleus and EOM to fatigue and ALS seems to be associated with specific protein levels concerning the TrkB neurotrophic signaling.
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Cai Z, Zhao K, Zeng L, Liu M, Sun T, Li Z, Liu R. The Relationship between the Aberrant Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Competitive Endogenous RNA Network and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158497. [PMID: 35955632 PMCID: PMC9369371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with the action of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in AD remains unclear. The present study aimed to identify significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs (SDELs) and establish lncRNA-associated ceRNA networks via RNA sequencing analysis and a quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) assay using transgenic mice with five familial AD mutations. A total of 53 SDELs in the cortex and 51 SDELs in the hippocampus were identified, including seven core SDELs common to both regions. The functions and pathways were then investigated through the potential target genes of SDELs via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, which indicate biological effects, action distributions, and pathological transductions associated with AD. Based on the ceRNA hypothesis, integrated ceRNA networks in the cortex and hippocampus of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA were constructed. The core SDEL-mediated ceRNA relationship was established and the expression of these RNAs was verified by qPCR. The results identified lncRNA ENSMUST00000127786 and highlighted miRNAs and mRNAs as potential key mediators in AD. These findings provide AD-derived lncRNA-mediated ceRNA profiles, and further experimental evidence is needed to confirm these identified ceRNA regulatory relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rui Liu
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (R.L.)
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