Changes in the level of Long Non-Coding RNA Gomafu gene expression in schizophrenia patients before and after antipsychotic medication

MIAT LncRNA: A multifunctional key player in non-oncological pathological conditions

The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has unveiled a wide range of transcripts that do not encode proteins but play key roles in several cellular and molecular processes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are specific class of ncRNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides and have gained significant attention due to their diverse mechanisms of action and potential involvement in various pathological conditions. In the current review, the authors focus on the role of lncRNAs, specifically highlighting the Myocardial Infarction Associated Transcript (MIAT), in non-oncological context. MIAT is a nuclear lncRNA that has been directly linked to myocardial infarction and is reported to control post-transcriptional processes as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) molecule. It interacts with microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby limiting the translation and expression of their respective target messenger RNA (mRNA) and regulating protein expression. Yet, MIAT has been implicated in other numerous pathological conditions such as other cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and many others. In this review, the authors emphasize that MIAT exhibits distinct expression patterns and functions across different pathological conditions and is emerging as potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic agent. Additionally, the authors highlight the regulatory role of MIAT and shed light on the involvement of lncRNAs and specifically MIAT in various non-oncological pathological conditions.

Hidden regulators: the emerging roles of lncRNAs in brain development and disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical players in brain development and disease. These non-coding transcripts, which once considered as "transcriptional junk," are now known for their regulatory roles in gene expression. In brain development, lncRNAs participate in many processes, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and synaptogenesis. They employ their effect through a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through interactions with chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and other regulatory molecules. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been associated with certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altered expression and function of specific lncRNAs have been implicated with disrupted neuronal connectivity, impaired synaptic plasticity, and aberrant gene expression pattern, highlighting the functional importance of this subclass of brain-enriched RNAs. Moreover, lncRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurological diseases. Here, we give a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge of lncRNAs. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the diversity of lncRNA structure and functions in brain development and disease. This holds promise for unravelling the complexity of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Shared Genetic Determinants of Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder Implicate Opposite Risk Patterns: A Genome-Wide Analysis of Common Variants

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

The synaptic pruning hypothesis posits that schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may represent opposite ends of neurodevelopmental disorders: individuals with ASD exhibit an overabundance of synapses and connections while SCZ was characterized by excessive pruning of synapses and a reduction. Given the strong genetic predisposition of both disorders, we propose a shared genetic component, with certain loci having differential regulatory impacts.

STUDY DESIGN

Genome-Wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data of European descent from SCZ (N cases = 53 386, N controls = 77 258) and ASD (N cases = 18 381, N controls = 27 969) were analyzed. We used genetic correlation, bivariate causal mixture model, conditional false discovery rate method, colocalization, Transcriptome-Wide Association Study (TWAS), and Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) to investigate the genetic overlap and gene expression pattern.

STUDY RESULTS

We found a positive genetic correlation between SCZ and ASD (rg = .26, SE = 0.01, P = 7.87e-14), with 11 genomic loci jointly influencing both conditions (conjFDR <0.05). Functional analysis highlights a significant enrichment of shared genes during early to mid-fetal developmental stages. A notable genetic region on chromosome 17q21.31 (lead SNP rs2696609) showed strong evidence of colocalization (PP.H4.abf = 0.85). This SNP rs2696609 is linked to many imaging-derived brain phenotypes. TWAS indicated opposing gene expression patterns (primarily pseudogenes and long noncoding RNAs [lncRNAs]) for ASD and SCZ in the 17q21.31 region and some genes (LRRC37A4P, LINC02210, and DND1P1) exhibit considerable variation in the cerebellum across the lifespan.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support a shared genetic basis for SCZ and ASD. A common genetic variant, rs2696609, located in the Chr17q21.31 locus, may exert differential risk regulation on SCZ and ASD by altering brain structure. Future studies should focus on the role of pseudogenes, lncRNAs, and cerebellum in synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Long non-coding RNAs in schizophrenia: Genetic variations, treatment markers and potential targeted signaling pathways

Schizophrenia (SZ), a complex and debilitating spectrum of psychiatric disorders, is now mainly attributed to multifactorial etiology that includes genetic and environmental factors. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are gaining popularity as a way to better understand the comprehensive mechanisms beneath the clinical manifestation of SZ. Only in recent years has it been elucidated that mammalian genomes encode thousands of lncRNAs. Strikingly, roughly 30-40% of these lncRNAs are extensively expressed in different regions across the brain, which may be closely associated with SZ. The therapeutic and adverse effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs) are partially reflected by their role in the regulation of lncRNAs. This begs the question directly, do any lncRNAs exist as biomarkers for AAPDs treatment? Furthermore, we comprehend a range of mechanistic investigations that have revealed the regulatory roles for lncRNAs both involved in the brain and the periphery of SZ. More crucially, we also combine insights from a variety of signaling pathways to argue that lncRNAs probably play critical roles in SZ via their interactive downstream factors. This review provides a thorough understanding regarding dysregulation of lncRNAs, corresponding genetic alternations, as well as their potential regulatory roles in the pathology of SZ, which might help reveal useful therapeutic targets in SZ.

The human lncRNA GOMAFU suppresses neuronal interferon response pathways affected in neuropsychiatric diseases

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play multifaceted roles in regulating brain gene networks. LncRNA abnormalities are thought to underlie the complex etiology of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. One example is the human lncRNA gene GOMAFU, which is found dysregulated in schizophrenia (SCZ) postmortem brains and harbors genetic variants that contribute to the risk of SCZ. However, transcriptome-wide biological pathways regulated by GOMAFU have not been determined. How GOMAFU dysregulation contributes to SCZ pathogenesis remains elusive. Here we report that GOMAFU is a novel suppressor of human neuronal interferon (IFN) response pathways that are hyperactive in the postmortem SCZ brains. We analyzed recently released transcriptomic profiling datasets in clinically relevant brain areas derived from multiple SCZ cohorts and found brain region-specific dysregulation of GOMAFU. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to delete the GOMAFU promoter in a human neural progenitor cell model, we identified transcriptomic alterations caused by GOMAFU deficiency in pathways commonly affected in postmortem brains of SCZ and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the most striking effects on upregulation of numerous genes underlying IFN signaling. In addition, expression levels of GOMAFU target genes in the IFN pathway are differentially affected in SCZ brain regions and negatively associated with GOMAFU alterations. Furthermore, acute exposure to IFN-γ causes a rapid decline of GOMAFU and activation of a subclass of GOMAFU targets in stress and immune response pathways that are affected in SCZ brains, which form a highly interactive molecular network. Together, our studies unveiled the first evidence of lncRNA-governed neuronal response pathways to IFN challenge and suggest that GOMAFU dysregulation may mediate environmental risks and contribute to etiological neuroinflammatory responses by brain neurons of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Baihe Dihuang (Lilium Henryi Baker and Rehmannia Glutinosa) decoction attenuates somatostatin interneurons deficits in prefrontal cortex of depression via miRNA-144-3p mediated GABA synthesis and release

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baihe Dihuang Decoction is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription (Also known as Lilium Henryi Baker and Rehmannia Glutinosa Decoction, LBRD) composed of Lilium Henryi Baker bulb and raw juice from Rehmannia Glutinosa (Gaertn) DC with the curative efficacy of nourishing yin and clearing heat based on the Chinese herbal medicine theory. It has been used as routine medication in treating depression combined with conventional western medicine in China for years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

LBRD can attenuates GABAergic deficits in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of depression. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of antidepressive properties of LBRD in the prefrontal GABAergic interneuron subtypes, including parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SST), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-positive neuron.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this project, chronic unpredicted mild stress paradigm was adopted to construct depression model. After treated with LBRD standard decoction and behaviors test, the level of GABA associated miRNA/mRNA and GABAergic subtype-specific markers were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The lncRNAs/miRNAs/GABA regulatory axis was verified by luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down assay, and theses changes were measured in LBRD administration with the use of immunofluorescence staining and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

In the current study, we found that LBRD exhibited high efficacy based on the results of behavioral tests. Meanwhile, LBRD also improved the reduced GABA levels in depression by increasing the expression of lncRNA Neat1 and Malat1, as well as decreasing miRNA-144-3p and miRNA-15b-5p. Moreover, the level of Sst mRNA and protein that were harvested from the mPFC tissues of depression group was significantly lower than those in the control mice. While, these changes can be reverted by LBRD standard decoction administration. Whereas, neither chronic stress nor treatment can change the level of PV and VIP mRNAs and protein expression. In the SST-positive neuron of mPFC tissues, treatment with LBRD standard decoction resulted in the elevation of Gad-67, VGAT, GAT-3 and a reduction of miRNA-144-3p expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that LBRD antidepressant activities may be related to ameliorating the SST-positive neuron deficits via regulating the miRNA-144-3p mediated GABA synthesis and release.

The Long Non-Coding RNA GOMAFU in Schizophrenia: Function, Disease Risk, and Beyond

Neuropsychiatric diseases are among the most common brain developmental disorders, represented by schizophrenia (SZ). The complex multifactorial etiology of SZ remains poorly understood, which reflects genetic vulnerabilities and environmental risks that affect numerous genes and biological pathways. Besides the dysregulation of protein-coding genes, recent discoveries demonstrate that abnormalities associated with non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), also contribute to the pathogenesis of SZ. lncRNAs are an actively evolving family of non-coding RNAs that harbor greater than 200 nucleotides but do not encode for proteins. In general, lncRNA genes are poorly conserved. The large number of lncRNAs specifically expressed in the human brain, together with the genetic alterations and dysregulation of lncRNA genes in the SZ brain, suggests a critical role in normal cognitive function and the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases. A particular lncRNA of interest is GOMAFU, also known as MIAT and RNCR2. Growing evidence suggests the function of GOMAFU in governing neuronal development and its potential roles as a risk factor and biomarker for SZ, which will be reviewed in this article. Moreover, we discuss the potential mechanisms through which GOMAFU regulates molecular pathways, including its subcellular localization and interaction with RNA-binding proteins, and how interruption to GOMAFU pathways may contribute to the pathogenesis of SZ.

Deregulatory miRNA-BDNF Network Inferred from Dynamic Expression Changes in Schizophrenia

(1) Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the promising risk genes for schizophrenia (SZ), a disease with prominent dysregulation of miRNA networks. Here, we present a study of miRNA-BDNF co-expression changes in peripheral blood of SZ patients. (2) Methods: The expression levels of the BDNF mRNA and three validated binding miRNAs—miR-124-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-206—were quantified in the blood of 48 healthy controls and 32 SZ patients before and after 12 weeks of treatment. The co-expression patterns were evaluated in the three groups. (3) Results: The expression levels of BDNF were significantly downregulated in SZ patients compared to the controls. After the treatment, the expression levels of BDNF were upregulated, while the expression levels of the three miRNAs were downregulated. Co-expression analyses showed positive correlations of this network in the SZ patients, while weak negative correlations were observed in the healthy controls. After the 12-week treatment, the overall correlation between BDNF and the three miRNAs reached the levels comparable to the healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest the involvement of the miRNA-BDNF network in the onset and treatment of SZ.

A preliminary analysis of LncRNA biomarkers for schizophrenia

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with schizophrenia (SZ) and the relationships among their expression, antipsychotic efficacy and SZ severity. Method: The diagnostic and predictive value of nine lncRNAs, Gomafu, DISC2, PSZA11, AK096174, AK123097, DB340248, uc011dma.1, ENST00000509804-1 and ENST00000509804-2, was investigated in 48 patients with SZ before and after antipsychotic treatment. Results: Gomafu, AK096174, AK123097, DB340248, uc011dma.1, ENST00000509804-1 and ENST00000509804-2 were individually and collectively associated with, and predictive of, SZ pathogenesis. Moreover, increased expression of plasma AK123097, uc011dma.1 and ENST00000509804-1 levels was reversed after 12 weeks of antipsychotic treatment, which was associated with SZ severity. Conclusion: Seven lncRNAs serve as novel biomarkers for SZ diagnosis and prognosis and three lncRNAs are potential therapeutic targets.

Regulatory role of long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in neurological disorders: From novel biomarkers to promising therapeutic strategies

Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein or low-protein coding transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides. They representing a large share of the cell's transcriptional output, demonstrate functional attributes viz. tissue-specific expression, determination of cell fate, controlled expression, RNA processing and editing, dosage compensation, genomic imprinting, conserved evolutionary traits etc. These long non coding variants are well associated with pathogenicity of various diseases including the neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease etc. Neurological disorders are widespread and there knowing the underlying mechanisms become crucial. The lncRNAs take part in the pathogenesis by a plethora of mechanisms like decoy, scaffold, mi-RNA sequestrator, histone modifiers and in transcriptional interference. Detailed knowledge of the role of lncRNAs can help to use them further as novel biomarkers for therapeutic aspects. Here, in this review we discuss regulation and functional roles of lncRNAs in eight neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders, and the mechanisms by which they act. With these, we try to establish their roles as potential markers and viable diagnostic tools in these disorders.

A Potential Role for the Noncoding Transcriptome in Psychiatric Disorders

Understanding the complexity and regular function of the human brain is an unresolved challenge that hampers the identification of disease-contributing components and mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. It is accepted that the majority of psychiatric disorders result from a complex interaction of environmental and heritable factors, and efforts to determine, for example, genetic variants contributing to the pathophysiology of these diseases are becoming increasingly successful. We also continue to discover new molecules with unknown functions that might play a role in brain physiology. One such class of polymeric molecules is noncoding RNAs; though discovered years ago, they have only recently started to receive careful attention. Furthermore, recent technological advances in the field of molecular genetics and high-throughput sequencing have facilitated the discovery of a broad spectrum of RNAs that show no obvious coding potential but may provide additional layers of complexity and regulation to the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. Their exquisite enrichment and expression profiles in the brain may point to important functions of these RNAs in health and disease. This review will therefore aim to provide insight into the expression of noncoding RNAs in the brain, their function, and potential role in psychiatric disorders.

Long Non-coding RNA in Neuronal Development and Neurological Disorders

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts which are usually more than 200 nt in length, and which do not have the protein-coding capacity. LncRNAs can be categorized based on their generation from distinct DNA elements, or derived from specific RNA processing pathways. During the past several decades, dramatic progress has been made in understanding the regulatory functions of lncRNAs in diverse biological processes, including RNA processing and editing, cell fate determination, dosage compensation, genomic imprinting and development etc. Dysregulation of lncRNAs is involved in multiple human diseases, especially neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made with regards to the function of lncRNAs and associated molecular mechanisms, focusing on neuronal development and neurological disorders.