1
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Sharma M, Tanwar AK, Purohit PK, Pal P, Kumar D, Vaidya S, Prajapati SK, Kumar A, Dhama N, Kumar S, Gupta SK. Regulatory roles of microRNAs in modulating mitochondrial dynamics, amyloid beta fibrillation, microglial activation, and cholinergic signaling: Implications for alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105685. [PMID: 38670299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105685] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains a formidable challenge due to its complex pathology, notably involving mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) signaling. This study delves into the underexplored realm of miRNAs' impact on mitochondrial dynamics and their interplay with amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation and tau pathology in AD. Addressing identified gaps, our research utilizes advanced molecular techniques and AD models, alongside patient miRNA profiles, to uncover miRNAs pivotal in mitochondrial regulation. We illuminate novel miRNAs influencing mitochondrial dynamics, Aβ, and tau, offering insights into their mechanistic roles in AD progression. Our findings not only enhance understanding of AD's molecular underpinnings but also spotlight miRNAs as promising therapeutic targets. By elucidating miRNAs' roles in mitochondrial dysfunction and their interactions with hallmark AD pathologies, our work proposes innovative strategies for AD therapy, aiming to mitigate disease progression through targeted miRNA modulation. This contribution marks a significant step toward novel AD treatments, emphasizing the potential of miRNAs in addressing this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ankur Kumar Tanwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Pankaj Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NMIMS School of Pharmacy and Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Shirpur Campus, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sandeep Vaidya
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Aadesh Kumar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nidhi Dhama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sokindra Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS), School of Medicine, Wayne State University, USA.
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2
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Dave BP, Shah YB, Maheshwari KG, Mansuri KA, Prajapati BS, Postwala HI, Chorawala MR. Pathophysiological Aspects and Therapeutic Armamentarium of Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Trends and Future Development. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3847-3884. [PMID: 37725199 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01408-7] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia and is characterized by the death of brain cells due to the accumulation of insoluble amyloid plaques, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles within the cells. AD is also associated with other pathologies such as neuroinflammation, dysfunction of synaptic connections and circuits, disorders in mitochondrial function and energy production, epigenetic changes, and abnormalities in the vascular system. Despite extensive research conducted over the last hundred years, little is established about what causes AD or how to effectively treat it. Given the severity of the disease and the increasing number of affected individuals, there is a critical need to discover effective medications for AD. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new drug molecules for AD management since 2003, but these drugs only provide temporary relief of symptoms and do not address the underlying causes of the disease. Currently, available medications focus on correcting the neurotransmitter disruption observed in AD, including cholinesterase inhibitors and an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which temporarily alleviates the signs of dementia but does not prevent or reverse the course of AD. Research towards disease-modifying AD treatments is currently underway, including gene therapy, lipid nanoparticles, and dendrimer-based therapy. These innovative approaches aim to target the underlying pathological processes of AD rather than just managing the symptoms. This review discusses the novel aspects of pathogenesis involved in the causation of AD of AD and in recent developments in the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of AD such as gene therapy, lipid nanoparticles, and dendrimer-based therapy, and many more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavarth P Dave
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Yesha B Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Kunal G Maheshwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Kaif A Mansuri
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Bhadrawati S Prajapati
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Humzah I Postwala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
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3
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Alvarez M, Trent E, Goncalves BDS, Pereira DG, Puri R, Frazier NA, Sodhi K, Pillai SS. Cognitive dysfunction associated with COVID-19: Prognostic role of circulating biomarkers and microRNAs. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1020092. [PMID: 36268187 PMCID: PMC9577202 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is renowned as a multi-organ disease having subacute and long-term effects with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The evolving scientific and clinical evidence demonstrates that the frequency of cognitive impairment after COVID-19 is high and it is crucial to explore more clinical research and implement proper diagnostic and treatment strategies. Several central nervous system complications have been reported as comorbidities of COVID-19. The changes in cognitive function associated with neurodegenerative diseases develop slowly over time and are only diagnosed at an already advanced stage of molecular pathology. Hence, understanding the common links between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases will broaden our knowledge and help in strategizing prognostic and therapeutic approaches. The present review focuses on the diverse neurodegenerative changes associated with COVID-19 and will highlight the importance of major circulating biomarkers and microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with the disease progression and severity. The literature analysis showed that major proteins associated with central nervous system function, such as Glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, p-tau 181, Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1, S100 calcium-binding protein B, Neuron-specific enolase and various inflammatory cytokines, were significantly altered in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, among various miRNAs that are having pivotal roles in various neurodegenerative diseases, miR-146a, miR-155, Let-7b, miR-31, miR-16 and miR-21 have shown significant dysregulation in COVID-19 patients. Thus the review consolidates the important findings from the numerous studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of neurological sequelae in COVID-19 and the possible association of circulatory biomarkers, which may serve as prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sneha S. Pillai
- Department of Surgery, Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
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4
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Roy B, Lee E, Li T, Rampersaud M. Role of miRNAs in Neurodegeneration: From Disease Cause to Tools of Biomarker Discovery and Therapeutics. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030425. [PMID: 35327979 PMCID: PMC8951370 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases originate from neuronal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). These debilitating diseases progress with age and have become common due to an increase in longevity. The National Institute of Environmental Health Science’s 2021 annual report suggests around 6.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and there is a possibility that there will be 1.2 million Parkinson’s disease patients in the USA by 2030. There is no clear-cut universal mechanism for identifying neurodegenerative diseases, and therefore, they pose a challenge for neurobiology scientists. Genetic and environmental factors modulate these diseases leading to familial or sporadic forms. Prior studies have shown that miRNA levels are altered during the course of the disease, thereby suggesting that these noncoding RNAs may be the contributing factor in neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlight the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Through this review, we aim to achieve four main objectives: First, we highlight how dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis led to these diseases. Second, we highlight the computational or bioinformatics tools required to identify the putative molecular targets of miRNAs, leading to biological molecular pathways or mechanisms involved in these diseases. Third, we focus on the dysregulation of miRNAs and their target genes leading to several neurodegenerative diseases. In the final section, we highlight the use of miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers in the early asymptomatic preclinical diagnosis of these age-dependent debilitating diseases. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and advances in the development of miRNA therapeutics for brain targeting. We list some of the innovative strategies employed to deliver miRNA into target cells and the relevance of these viral and non-viral carrier systems in RNA therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. In summary, this review highlights the relevance of studying brain-enriched miRNAs, the mechanisms underlying their regulation of target gene expression, their dysregulation leading to progressive neurodegeneration, and their potential for biomarker marker and therapeutic intervention. This review thereby highlights ways for the effective diagnosis and prevention of these neurodegenerative disorders in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Roy
- Life Science Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ 07012, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Erica Lee
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA; (E.L.); (T.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Teresa Li
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA; (E.L.); (T.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Rampersaud
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA; (E.L.); (T.L.); (M.R.)
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5
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OUP accepted manuscript. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4763-4781. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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6
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Co-Expression Network Analysis of Micro-RNAs and Proteins in the Alzheimer's Brain: A Systematic Review of Studies in the Last 10 Years. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123479. [PMID: 34943987 PMCID: PMC8699941 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding nucleic acids that can regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by binding to complementary sequences of target mRNA. Evidence showed that dysregulated miRNA expression may be associated with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we combined the results of two independent systematic reviews aiming to unveil the co-expression network of miRNAs and proteins in brain tissues of AD patients. Twenty-eight studies including a total of 113 differentially expressed miRNAs (53 of them validated by qRT-PCR), and 26 studies including a total of 196 proteins differentially expressed in AD brains compared to healthy age matched controls were selected. Pathways analyses were performed on the results of the two reviews and 39 common pathways were identified. A further bioinformatic analysis was performed to match miRNA and protein targets with an inverse relation. This revealed 249 inverse relationships in 28 common pathways, representing new potential targets for therapeutic intervention. A meta-analysis, whenever possible, revealed miR-132-3p and miR-16 as consistently downregulated in late-stage AD across the literature. While no inverse relationships between miR-132-3p and proteins were found, miR-16′s inverse relationship with CLOCK proteins in the circadian rhythm pathway is discussed and therapeutic targets are proposed. The most significant miRNA dysregulated pathway highlighted in this review was the hippo signaling pathway with p = 1.66 × 10−9. Our study has revealed new mechanisms for AD pathogenesis and this is discussed along with opportunities to develop novel miRNA-based drugs to target these pathways.
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7
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Lee CY, Ryu IS, Ryu JH, Cho HJ. miRNAs as Therapeutic Tools in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13012. [PMID: 34884818 PMCID: PMC8657443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-dependent, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 50-70% of all dementia cases. Due to the increasing incidence and corresponding socioeconomic burden of dementia, it has rapidly emerged as a challenge to public health worldwide. The characteristics of AD include the development of extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, vascular changes, neuronal inflammation, and progressive brain atrophy. However, the complexity of the biology of AD has hindered progress in elucidating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of AD, and the development of effective treatments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, which are endogenous, noncoding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that function as posttranscriptional regulators of various genes) are attracting attention as powerful tools for studying the mechanisms of diseases, as they are involved in several biological processes and diseases, including AD. AD is a multifactorial disease, and several reports have suggested that miRNAs play an important role in the pathological processes of AD. In this review, the basic biology of miRNAs is described, and the function and physiology of miRNAs in the pathological processes of AD are highlighted. In addition, the limitations of current pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of AD and the development of miRNA-based next-generation therapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Youn Lee
- BIORCHESTRA Co., Ltd., Techno4-ro 17, Daejeon 34013, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (I.S.R.)
| | - In Soo Ryu
- BIORCHESTRA Co., Ltd., Techno4-ro 17, Daejeon 34013, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (I.S.R.)
| | - Jin-Hyeob Ryu
- BIORCHESTRA Co., Ltd., Techno4-ro 17, Daejeon 34013, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (I.S.R.)
| | - Hyun-Jeong Cho
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Science, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Daejeon 35365, Korea
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8
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Li QS, Cai D. Integrated miRNA-Seq and mRNA-Seq Study to Identify miRNAs Associated With Alzheimer's Disease Using Post-mortem Brain Tissue Samples. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:620899. [PMID: 33833661 PMCID: PMC8021900 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.620899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading form of dementia, is associated with abnormal tau and β-amyloid accumulation in the brain. We conducted a miRNA-seq study to identify miRNAs associated with AD in the post-mortem brain from the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG, n = 69) and superior temporal gyrus (STG, n = 81). Four and 64 miRNAs were differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05) in AD compared to cognitively normal controls in the IFG and STG, respectively. We observed down-regulation of several miRNAs that have previously been implicated in AD, including hsa-miR-212-5p and hsa-miR-132-5p, in AD samples across both brain regions, and up-regulation of hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-501-3p, hsa-miR-34a-5p, and hsa-miR-454-3p in the STG. The differentially expressed miRNAs were previously implicated in the formation of amyloid-β plaques, the dysregulation of tau, and inflammation. We have also observed differential expressions for dozens of other miRNAs in the STG, including hsa-miR-4446-3p, that have not been described previously. Putative targets of these miRNAs (adjusted p-value < 0.1) were found to be involved in Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK family signaling cascades, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) pathway, adaptive immune system, innate immune system, and neurogenesis. Our results support the finding of dysregulated miRNAs previously implicated in AD and propose additional miRNAs that appear to be dysregulated in AD for experimental follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqin S. Li
- Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States
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9
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Chopra N, Wang R, Maloney B, Nho K, Beck JS, Pourshafie N, Niculescu A, Saykin AJ, Rinaldi C, Counts SE, Lahiri DK. MicroRNA-298 reduces levels of human amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), β-site APP-converting enzyme 1 (BACE1) and specific tau protein moieties. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:5636-5657. [PMID: 31942037 PMCID: PMC8758483 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0610-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related form of dementia, associated with deposition of intracellular neuronal tangles consisting primarily of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau (p-tau) and extracellular plaques primarily comprising amyloid- β (Aβ) peptide. The p-tau tangle unit is a posttranslational modification of normal tau protein. Aβ is a neurotoxic peptide excised from the amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and the γ-secretase complex. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded RNAs that modulate protein expression as part of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). We identified miR-298 as a repressor of APP, BACE1, and the two primary forms of Aβ (Aβ40 and Aβ42) in a primary human cell culture model. Further, we discovered a novel effect of miR-298 on posttranslational levels of two specific tau moieties. Notably, miR-298 significantly reduced levels of ~55 and 50 kDa forms of the tau protein without significant alterations of total tau or other forms. In vivo overexpression of human miR-298 resulted in nonsignificant reduction of APP, BACE1, and tau in mice. Moreover, we identified two miR-298 SNPs associated with higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) p-tau and lower CSF Aβ42 levels in a cohort of human AD patients. Finally, levels of miR-298 varied in postmortem human temporal lobe between AD patients and age-matched non-AD controls. Our results suggest that miR-298 may be a suitable target for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Chopra
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Ruizhi Wang
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Departments of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - John S. Beck
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Departments of Translational Neuroscience and Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI USA
| | - Naemeh Pourshafie
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Alexander Niculescu
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Andrew J. Saykin
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Departments of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX UK
| | - Scott E. Counts
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Departments of Translational Neuroscience and Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI USA
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
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10
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Boscher E, Hernandez-Rapp J, Petry S, Keraudren R, Rainone S, Loiselle A, Goupil C, Turgeon A, St-Amour I, Planel E, Hébert SS. Advances and Challenges in Understanding MicroRNA Function in Tauopathies: A Case Study of miR-132/212. Front Neurol 2020; 11:578720. [PMID: 33117266 PMCID: PMC7553085 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.578720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, several groups have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) can participate in the regulation of tau protein at different levels, including its expression, alternative splicing, phosphorylation, and aggregation. These observations are significant, since the abnormal regulation and deposition of tau is associated with nearly 30 neurodegenerative disorders. Interestingly, miRNA profiles go awry in tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and frontotemporal dementia. Understanding the role and impact of miRNAs on tau biology could therefore provide important insights into disease risk, diagnostics, and perhaps therapeutics. In this Perspective article, we discuss recent advances in miRNA research related to tau. While proof-of-principle studies hold promise, physiological validation remains limited. To help fill this gap, we describe herein a pure tauopathy mouse model deficient for the miR-132/212 cluster. This miRNA family is strongly downregulated in human tauopathies and shown to regulate tau in vitro and in vivo. No significant differences in survival, motor deficits or body weight were observed in PS19 mice lacking miR-132/212. Age-specific effects were seen on tau expression and phosphorylation but not aggregation. Moreover, various miR-132/212 targets previously implicated in tau modulation were unaffected (GSK-3β, Foxo3a, Mapk1, p300) or, unexpectedly, reduced (Mapk3, Foxo1, p300, Calpain 2) in miR-132/212-deficient PS19 mice. These observations highlight the challenges of miRNA research in living models, and current limitations of transgenic tau mouse models lacking functional miRNA binding sites. Based on these findings, we finally recommend different strategies to better understand the role of miRNAs in tau physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Boscher
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Serena Petry
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Remi Keraudren
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Rainone
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Andréanne Loiselle
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia Goupil
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Andréanne Turgeon
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle St-Amour
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Planel
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien S Hébert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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11
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Presymptomatic change in microRNAs modulates Tau pathology. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9251. [PMID: 29915328 PMCID: PMC6006352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are 18~23 nucleotides long non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. To explore whether miR alterations in tauopathy contribute to pathological conditions, we first determined which hippocampal miRs are altered at the presymptomatic and symptomatic stages of tauopathy using rTg4510 mice (Tau mice), a well-characterized tauopathy model. miR-RNA pairing analysis using QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed 401 genes that can be regulated by 71 miRs altered in Tau hippocampi at the presymptomatic stage. Among several miRs confirmed with real-time qPCR, miR142 (−3p and −5p) in Tau hippocampi were significantly upregulated by two-weeks of age and onward. Transcriptome studies by RNAseq and IPA revealed several overlapping biological and disease associated pathways affected by either Tau or miR142 overexpression, including Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (Stat3) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (Tnfr2) signaling pathways. Similar to what was observed in Tau brains, overexpressing miR142 in wildtype cortical neurons augments mRNA levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (Gfap) and Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (Csf1), accompanied by a significant increase in microglia and reactive astrocyte numbers. Taken together, our study suggests that miR alterations by Tau overexpression may contribute to the neuroinflammation observed in Tau brains.
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12
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Lardenoije R, Pishva E, Lunnon K, van den Hove DL. Neuroepigenetics of Aging and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 158:49-82. [PMID: 30072060 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are complex, progressive disorders and affect millions of people worldwide, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. In recent years, research has begun to investigate epigenetic mechanisms for a potential role in disease etiology. In this chapter, we describe the current state of play for epigenetic research into neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. We focus on the recent evidence for a potential role of DNA modifications, histone modifications and non-coding RNA in the etiology of these disorders. Finally, we discuss how new technological and bioinformatics advances in the field of epigenetics could further progress our understanding about the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Lardenoije
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Lunnon
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel L van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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13
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Differential expression of microRNAs and other small RNAs in muscle tissue of patients with ALS and healthy age-matched controls. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5609. [PMID: 29618798 PMCID: PMC5884852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a late-onset disorder primarily affecting motor neurons and leading to progressive and lethal skeletal muscle atrophy. Small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), can serve as important regulators of gene expression and can act both globally and in a tissue-/cell-type-specific manner. In muscle, miRNAs called myomiRs govern important processes and are deregulated in various disorders. Several myomiRs have shown promise for therapeutic use in cellular and animal models of ALS; however, the exact miRNA species differentially expressed in muscle tissue of ALS patients remain unknown. Following small RNA-Seq, we compared the expression of small RNAs in muscle tissue of ALS patients and healthy age-matched controls. The identified snoRNAs, mtRNAs and other small RNAs provide possible molecular links between insulin signaling and ALS. Furthermore, the identified miRNAs are predicted to target proteins that are involved in both normal processes and various muscle disorders and indicate muscle tissue is undergoing active reinnervation/compensatory attempts thus providing targets for further research and therapy development in ALS.
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14
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Saraiva C, Esteves M, Bernardino L. MicroRNA: Basic concepts and implications for regeneration and repair of neurodegenerative diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 141:118-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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15
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Molasy M, Walczak A, Szaflik J, Szaflik JP, Majsterek I. MicroRNAs in glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases. J Hum Genet 2016; 62:105-112. [PMID: 27412874 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2016.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of short, non-coding RNAs, which have important role in post-transcriptional regulation of genes expression by base-pairing with their target messenger RNA (mRNA). In recent years, miRNAs biogenesis, gene silencing mechanism and implication in various diseases have been thoroughly investigated. Many scientific findings indicate the altered expression of specific miRNA in the brains of patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington disease. The progressive optic nerve neuropathy associated with changed miRNA profile was also observed during glaucoma development. This suggests that the miRNAs may have a crucial role in these disorders, contributing to the neuronal cell death. A better understanding of molecular mechanism of these disorders will open a new potential way of ND treatment. In this review, the miRNAs role in particular neurodegenerative disorders and their possible application in medicine was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Molasy
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Walczak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jerzy Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, SPKSO Ophthalmic Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek P Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, SPKSO Ophthalmic Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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16
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Karnati HK, Panigrahi MK, Gutti RK, Greig NH, Tamargo IA. miRNAs: Key Players in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Epilepsy. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 48:563-80. [PMID: 26402105 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, ∼22 nucleotide, non-coding RNA molecules that function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNA dysregulation has been observed in cancer and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the neurological disorder, epilepsy. Neuronal degradation and death are important hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, abnormalities in metabolism, synapsis and axonal transport have been associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. A number of recently published studies have demonstrated the importance of miRNAs in the nervous system and have contributed to the growing body of evidence on miRNA dysregulation in neurological disorders. Knowledge of the expressions and activities of such miRNAs may aid in the development of novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the significance of miRNA dysregulation in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and the use of miRNAs as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanuma Kumar Karnati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Manas Kumar Panigrahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Ravi Kumar Gutti
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ian A Tamargo
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Di Meco A, Praticò D. MicroRNAs as Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 53:367-72. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-160203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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18
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Piscopo P, Albani D, Castellano AE, Forloni G, Confaloni A. Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and MicroRNAs. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:17. [PMID: 26903860 PMCID: PMC4746266 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) includes a spectrum of disorders characterized by changes of personality and social behavior and, often, a gradual and progressive language dysfunction. In the last years, several efforts have been fulfilled in identifying both genetic mutations and pathological proteins associated with FTLD. The molecular bases undergoing the onset and progression of the disease remain still unknown. Recent literature prompts an involvement of RNA metabolism in FTLD, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs). Dysregulation of miRNAs in several disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, and increasing importance of circulating miRNAs in different pathologies has suggested to implement the study of their possible application as biological markers and new therapeutic targets; moreover, miRNA-based therapy is becoming a powerful tool to deepen the function of a gene, the mechanism of a disease, and validate therapeutic targets. Regarding FTLD, different studies showed that miRNAs are playing an important role. For example, several reports have evaluated miRNA regulation of the progranulin gene suggesting that it is under their control, as described for miR-29b, miR-107, and miR-659. More recently, it has been demonstrated that TMEM106B gene, which protein is elevated in FTLD-TDP brains, is repressed by miR-132/212 cluster; this post-transcriptional mechanism increases intracellular levels of progranulin, affecting its pathways. These findings if confirmed could suggest that these microRNAs have a role as potential targets for some related-FTLD genes. In this review, we focus on the emerging roles of the miRNAs in the pathogenesis of FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Milano, Italy
| | | | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Milano, Italy
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19
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Aten S, Hansen KF, Hoyt KR, Obrietan K. The miR-132/212 locus: a complex regulator of neuronal plasticity, gene expression and cognition. RNA & DISEASE 2016; 3:e1375. [PMID: 27713923 PMCID: PMC5049877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The microRNA (miRNA) class of small (typically 22-24 nt) non-coding RNA affects a wide range of physiological processes in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). By acting as potent regulators of mRNA translation and stability, miRNAs fine-tune the expression of a multitude of genes that play critical roles in complex cognitive processes, including learning and memory. Of note, within the CNS, miRNAs can be expressed in an inducible, and cell-type specific manner. Here, we provide a brief overview of the expression and functional effects of the miR-132/212 gene locus in forebrain circuits of the CNS, and then discuss a recent publication that explored the contributions of miR-132 and miR-212 to cognition and to transcriptome regulation. We also discuss mechanisms by which synaptic activity regulates miR-132/212 expression, how miR-132 and miR-212 affect neuronal plasticity, and how the dysregulation of these two miRNAs could contribute to the development of cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Aten
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Katelin F. Hansen
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kari R. Hoyt
- Division of Pharmacology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Karl Obrietan
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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20
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PFOS Disturbs BDNF-ERK-CREB Signalling in Association with Increased MicroRNA-22 in SH-SY5Y Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:302653. [PMID: 26649298 PMCID: PMC4662996 DOI: 10.1155/2015/302653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, is neurotoxic to mammalian species. However, the underlying mechanism of its neurotoxicity was unclear. We hypothesized that PFOS suppresses BDNF expression to produce its neurotoxic effects by inhibiting the ERK-CREB pathway. SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were exposed to various concentrations of PFOS to examine the role of the BDNF-ERK-CREB signalling pathway in PFOS-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, to ascertain the mechanism by which PFOS reduces BDNF signalling, we examined the expression levels of miR-16 and miR-22, which potentially regulate BDNF mRNA translation at the posttranscriptional level. Results indicated that PFOS significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, BDNF and pERK protein levels decreased after PFOS treatment; however, pCREB protein levels were significantly elevated in PFOS treated groups. TrkB protein expression increased in the 10 μM and 50 μM PFOS groups and significantly decreased in the 100 μM PFOS group. Our results demonstrated that PFOS exposure decreased miR-16 expression and increased miR-22 expression, which may represent a possible mechanism by which PFOS decreases BDNF protein levels. PFOS may inhibit BDNF-ERK-CREB signalling by increasing miR-22 levels, which may, in part, explain the mechanism of PFOS neurotoxicity.
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21
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Xiong Y, Liu F, Liu D, Huang H, Wei N, Tan L, Chen J, Man H, Gong C, Lu Y, Wang J, Zhu L. Opposite effects of two estrogen receptors on tau phosphorylation through disparate effects on the miR-218/PTPA pathway. Aging Cell 2015; 14:867-77. [PMID: 26111662 PMCID: PMC4568974 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The two estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ, mediate the diverse biological functions of estradiol. Opposite effects of ERα and ERβ have been found in estrogen-induced cancer cell proliferation and differentiation as well as in memory-related tasks. However, whether these opposite effects are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unclear. Here, we find that ERα and ERβ play contrasting roles in regulating tau phosphorylation, which is a pathological hallmark of AD. ERα increases the expression of miR-218 to suppress the protein levels of its specific target, protein tyrosine phosphatase α (PTPα). The downregulation of PTPα results in the abnormal tyrosine hyperphosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (resulting in activation) and protein phosphatase 2A (resulting in inactivation), the major tau kinase and phosphatase. Suppressing the increased expression of miR-218 inhibits the ERα-induced tau hyperphosphorylation as well as the PTPα decline. In contrast, ERβ inhibits tau phosphorylation by limiting miR-218 levels and restoring the miR-218 levels antagonized the attenuation of tau phosphorylation by ERβ. These data reveal for the first time opposing roles for ERα and ERβ in AD pathogenesis and suggest potential therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan‐Si Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Fang‐Fang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Dan Liu
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
- Department of Genetics School of Basic Medicine Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- Sino‐Canada Collaborative Platform on Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
| | - He‐Zhou Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Lu Tan
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Jian‐Guo Chen
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
- Department of Pharmacology School of Basic Medicine Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Heng‐Ye Man
- Department of Biology Boston University Boston MA 02215USA
| | - Cheng‐Xin Gong
- Department of Neurochemistry Inge Grundke‐Iqbal Research Floor New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities Staten Island NY 10314USA
| | - Youming Lu
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Jian‐Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Ling‐Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
- The Institute for Brain Research Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
- Sino‐Canada Collaborative Platform on Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030China
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22
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Banzhaf-Strathmann J, Benito E, May S, Arzberger T, Tahirovic S, Kretzschmar H, Fischer A, Edbauer D. MicroRNA-125b induces tau hyperphosphorylation and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. EMBO J 2014; 33:1667-80. [PMID: 25001178 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201387576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, but no clear disease-initiating mechanism is known. Aβ deposits and neuronal tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau are characteristic for AD. Here, we analyze the contribution of microRNA-125b (miR-125b), which is elevated in AD. In primary neurons, overexpression of miR-125b causes tau hyperphosphorylation and an upregulation of p35, cdk5, and p44/42-MAPK signaling. In parallel, the phosphatases DUSP6 and PPP1CA and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-W are downregulated as direct targets of miR-125b. Knockdown of these phosphatases induces tau hyperphosphorylation, and overexpression of PPP1CA and Bcl-W prevents miR-125b-induced tau phosphorylation, suggesting that they mediate the effects of miR-125b on tau. Conversely, suppression of miR-125b in neurons by tough decoys reduces tau phosphorylation and kinase expression/activity. Injecting miR-125b into the hippocampus of mice impairs associative learning and is accompanied by downregulation of Bcl-W, DUSP6, and PPP1CA, resulting in increased tau phosphorylation in vivo. Importantly, DUSP6 and PPP1CA are also reduced in AD brains. These data implicate miR-125b in the pathogenesis of AD by promoting pathological tau phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Benito
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, c/o European Neuroscience Institute ENI-G, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie May
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Arzberger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Hans Kretzschmar
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - André Fischer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, c/o European Neuroscience Institute ENI-G, Göttingen, Germany Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany Adolf Butenandt Institute, Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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23
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Fitzsimons CP, van Bodegraven E, Schouten M, Lardenoije R, Kompotis K, Kenis G, van den Hurk M, Boks MP, Biojone C, Joca S, Steinbusch HWM, Lunnon K, Mastroeni DF, Mill J, Lucassen PJ, Coleman PD, van den Hove DLA, Rutten BPF. Epigenetic regulation of adult neural stem cells: implications for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2014; 9:25. [PMID: 24964731 PMCID: PMC4080757 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-9-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence has demonstrated that several aspects of adult neural stem cells (NSCs), including their quiescence, proliferation, fate specification and differentiation, are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. These control the expression of specific sets of genes, often including those encoding for small non-coding RNAs, indicating a complex interplay between various epigenetic factors and cellular functions.Previous studies had indicated that in addition to the neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), plasticity-related changes are observed in brain areas with ongoing neurogenesis, like the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Given the role of stem cells e.g. in hippocampal functions like cognition, and given their potential for brain repair, we here review the epigenetic mechanisms relevant for NSCs and AD etiology. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation of adult NSCs will advance our knowledge on the role of adult neurogenesis in degeneration and possibly regeneration in the AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma van Bodegraven
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn Schouten
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Lardenoije
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Kompotis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark van den Hurk
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco P Boks
- Department Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Biojone
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samia Joca
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Harry WM Steinbusch
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Katie Lunnon
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 4, Barrack Road, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Diego F Mastroeni
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 4, Barrack Road, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 4, Barrack Road, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul D Coleman
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel LA van den Hove
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart PF Rutten
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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24
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Moschner K, Sündermann F, Meyer H, da Graca AP, Appel N, Paululat A, Bakota L, Brandt R. RNA protein granules modulate tau isoform expression and induce neuronal sprouting. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:16814-25. [PMID: 24755223 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.541425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal microtubule-associated protein Tau is expressed in different variants, and changes in Tau isoform composition occur during development and disease. Here, we investigate a potential role of the multivalent tau mRNA-binding proteins G3BP1 and IMP1 in regulating neuronal tau expression. We demonstrate that G3BP1 and IMP1 expression induces the formation of structures, which qualify as neuronal ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules and concentrate multivalent proteins and mRNA. We show that RNP granule formation leads to a >30-fold increase in the ratio of high molecular weight to low molecular weight tau mRNA and an ∼12-fold increase in high molecular weight to low molecular weight Tau protein. We report that RNP granule formation is associated with increased neurite formation and enhanced process growth. G3BP1 deletion constructs that do not induce granule formation are also deficient in inducing neuronal sprouting or changing the expression pattern of tau. The data indicate that granule formation driven by multivalent proteins modulates tau isoform expression and suggest a morphoregulatory function of RNP granules during health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heiko Meyer
- Zoology, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | | | | | - Achim Paululat
- Zoology, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
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Kye MJ, Gonçalves IDCG. The role of miRNA in motor neuron disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:15. [PMID: 24523674 PMCID: PMC3906579 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNA is a subset of endogenous non-coding RNA. It binds to partially complementary sequences in mRNAs and inhibits mRNA translation by either blocking translational machinery or degrading mRNAs. It is involved in various cellular processes including cell cycle, development, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of miRNA expression and function is reported in various diseases including cancer, metabolic disorders as well as neurological disorders. In nervous system, miRNA related pathways play a very important role in development and function of neuronal cells. Moreover, numerous evidences suggest that dysregulated miRNA related pathways contribute to pathology of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we review current knowledge about the role of miRNAs in motor neuron disorders, especially about two common diseases: SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Kye
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany ; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany
| | - Inês do Carmo G Gonçalves
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany ; Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne Cologne, Germany
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Hébert SS, Wang WX, Zhu Q, Nelson PT. A study of small RNAs from cerebral neocortex of pathology-verified Alzheimer's disease, dementia with lewy bodies, hippocampal sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar dementia, and non-demented human controls. J Alzheimers Dis 2013; 35:335-48. [PMID: 23403535 DOI: 10.3233/jad-122350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (20-22 nucleotides) regulatory non-coding RNAs that strongly influence gene expression. Most prior studies addressing the role of miRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) have focused on individual diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), making disease-to-disease comparisons impossible. Using RNA deep sequencing, we sought to analyze in detail the small RNAs (including miRNAs) in the temporal neocortex gray matter from non-demented controls (n = 2), AD (n = 5), dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 4), hippocampal sclerosis of aging (n = 4), and frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD) (n = 5) cases, together accounting for the most prevalent ND subtypes. All cases had short postmortem intervals, relatively high-quality RNA, and state-of-the-art neuropathological diagnoses. The resulting data (over 113 million reads in total, averaging 5.6 million reads per sample) and secondary expression analyses constitute an unprecedented look into the human cerebral cortical miRNome at a nucleotide resolution. While we find no apparent changes in isomiR or miRNA editing patterns in correlation with ND pathology, our results validate and extend previous miRNA profiling studies with regard to quantitative changes in NDs. In agreement with this idea, we provide independent cohort validation for changes in miR-132 expression levels in AD (n = 8) and FTLD (n = 14) cases when compared to controls (n = 8). The identification of common and ND-specific putative novel brain miRNAs and/or short-hairpin molecules is also presented. The challenge now is to better understand the impact of these and other alterations on neuronal gene expression networks and neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien S Hébert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Cheng L, Quek CYJ, Sun X, Bellingham SA, Hill AF. The detection of microRNA associated with Alzheimer's disease in biological fluids using next-generation sequencing technologies. Front Genet 2013; 4:150. [PMID: 23964286 PMCID: PMC3737441 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently involve subjective neuropsychological testing and specialized brain imaging techniques. While definitive diagnosis requires a pathological brain evaluation at autopsy, neurodegenerative changes are believed to begin years before the clinical presentation of cognitive decline. Therefore, there is an essential need for reliable biomarkers to aid in the early detection of disease in order to implement preventative strategies. microRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA species that are involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Expression levels of miRNAs have potential as diagnostic biomarkers as they are known to circulate and tissue specific profiles can be identified in a number of bodily fluids such as plasma, CSF and urine. Recent developments in deep sequencing technology present a viable approach to develop biomarker discovery pipelines in order to profile miRNA signatures in bodily fluids specific to neurodegenerative diseases. Here we review the potential use of miRNA deep sequencing in biomarker identification from biological fluids and its translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia ; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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28
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Götz J, Xia D, Leinenga G, Chew YL, Nicholas HR. What Renders TAU Toxic. Front Neurol 2013; 4:72. [PMID: 23772223 PMCID: PMC3677143 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
TAU is a microtubule-associated protein that under pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) forms insoluble, filamentous aggregates. When 20 years after TAU's discovery the first TAU transgenic mouse models were established, one declared goal that was achieved was the modeling of authentic TAU aggregate formation in the form of neurofibrillary tangles. However, as we review here, it has become increasingly clear that TAU causes damage much before these filamentous aggregates develop. In fact, because TAU is a scaffolding protein, increased levels and an altered subcellular localization (due to an increased insolubility and impaired clearance) result in the interaction of TAU with cellular proteins with which it would otherwise either not interact or do so to a lesser degree, thereby impairing their physiological functions. We specifically discuss the non-axonal localization of TAU, the role phosphorylation has in TAU toxicity and how TAU impairs mitochondrial functions. A major emphasis is on what we have learned from the four available TAU knock-out models in mice, and the knock-out of the TAU/MAP2 homolog PTL-1 in worms. It has been proposed that in human pathological conditions such as AD, a rare toxic TAU species exists which needs to be specifically removed to abrogate TAU's toxicity and restore neuronal functions. However, what is toxic in one context may not be in another, and simply reducing, but not fully abolishing TAU levels may be sufficient to abrogate TAU toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Götz
- Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Di Xia
- Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gerhard Leinenga
- Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah R. Nicholas
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bicchi I, Morena F, Montesano S, Polidoro M, Martino S. MicroRNAs and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration. Genes (Basel) 2013; 4:244-63. [PMID: 24705162 PMCID: PMC3899972 DOI: 10.3390/genes4020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few years microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key mediators of post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs targets, identified through gene expression profiling and studies in animal models, depict a scenario where miRNAs are fine-tuning metabolic pathways and genetic networks in both plants and animals. MiRNAs have shown to be differentially expressed in brain areas and alterations of miRNAs homeostasis have been recently correlated to pathological conditions of the nervous system, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Here, we review and discuss the most recent insights into the involvement of miRNAs in the neurodegenerative mechanisms and their correlation with significant neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bicchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simona Montesano
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mario Polidoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Dridi S. Alu mobile elements: from junk DNA to genomic gems. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:545328. [PMID: 24278713 PMCID: PMC3820591 DOI: 10.6064/2012/545328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Alus, the short interspersed repeated sequences (SINEs), are retrotransposons that litter the human genomes and have long been considered junk DNA. However, recent findings that these mobile elements are transcribed, both as distinct RNA polymerase III transcripts and as a part of RNA polymerase II transcripts, suggest biological functions and refute the notion that Alus are biologically unimportant. Indeed, Alu RNAs have been shown to control mRNA processing at several levels, to have complex regulatory functions such as transcriptional repression and modulating alternative splicing and to cause a host of human genetic diseases. Alu RNAs embedded in Pol II transcripts can promote evolution and proteome diversity, which further indicates that these mobile retroelements are in fact genomic gems rather than genomic junks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Dridi
- Nutrition Research Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
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Mullane K, Williams M. Alzheimer's therapeutics: continued clinical failures question the validity of the amyloid hypothesis-but what lies beyond? Biochem Pharmacol 2012. [PMID: 23178653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing with estimates that 115 million individuals will have AD by 2050, creating an unsustainable healthcare challenge due to a lack of effective treatment options highlighted by multiple clinical failures of agents designed to reduce the brain amyloid burden considered synonymous with the disease. The amyloid hypothesis that has been the overarching focus of AD research efforts for more than two decades has been questioned in terms of its causality but has not been unequivocally disproven despite multiple clinical failures, This is due to issues related to the quality of compounds advanced to late stage clinical trials and the lack of validated biomarkers that allow the recruitment of AD patients into trials before they are at a sufficiently advanced stage in the disease where therapeutic intervention is deemed futile. Pursuit of a linear, reductionistic amyloidocentric approach to AD research, which some have compared to a religious faith, has resulted in other, equally plausible but as yet unvalidated AD hypotheses being underfunded leading to a disastrous roadblock in the search for urgently needed AD therapeutics. Genetic evidence supporting amyloid causality in AD is reviewed in the context of the clinical failures, and progress in tau-based and alternative approaches to AD, where an evolving modus operandi in biomedical research fosters excessive optimism and a preoccupation with unproven, and often ephemeral, biomarker/genome-based approaches that override transparency, objectivity and data-driven decision making, resulting in low probability environments where data are subordinate to self propagating hypotheses.
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Jin J, Deng J, Wang F, Xia X, Qiu T, Lu W, Li X, Zhang H, Gu X, Liu Y, Cao W, Shao W. The expression and function of microRNA-203 in lung cancer. Tumour Biol 2012; 34:349-57. [PMID: 23073851 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-012-0556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the expression of microRNA-203 (miR-203) in human lung cancer cell lines and to evaluate the effects of miR-203 by targeting survivin, on the lung cancer cell line 95-D to provide potential new strategies for treating lung cancer. The expression of miR-203 was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in the in vitro cultured lung cancer cells A549, HCC827, NCI-H1299, and 95-D as well as in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Following a 72-h transfection with the miR-203 precursor in 95-D lung cancer cells, the change in miR-203 expression was detected using qRT-PCR and the resulting effect on survivin protein expression was ascertained by Western blot analysis. The influence of miR-203 on the viability of 95-D lung cancer cells was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of miR-203 on 95-D cell proliferation was analyzed using flow cytometry. The consequences of miR-203 expression on 95-D cell apoptosis were analyzed by Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining coupled with flow cytometry. The role of miR-203 in the invasive potential of 95-D cells was studied using a transwell chamber assay. A luciferase reporter gene system was used to verify that survivin is a target gene for miR-203. By qRT-PCR, the expression of miR-203 was lower in lung cancer cells than in normal bronchial epithelial cells (p < 0.01), and the expression of miR-203 in 95-D lung cancer cells was significantly higher after a 72-h transfection with the miR-203 precursor (p < 0.01). After a 72-h transfection with the miR-203 precursor, survivin protein levels in 95-D cells were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Cell viability, as assessed with an MTT assay, decreased following an increase in miR-203 expression (p < 0.05). The flow cytometry results indicated that after miR-203 expression increased, the cell proliferation index decreased (p < 0.05) and the number of apoptotic cells increased (p < 0.01). Increased miR-203 expression led to a significant decrease in the number of cells that migrated through a transwell chamber membrane (p < 0.01). The luciferase reporter gene system demonstrated that the relative luciferase activity significantly decreased after transfection with the miR-203 precursor (p < 0.05). The expression of miR-203 is downregulated in lung cancer cells. miR-203 negatively regulates survivin protein expression and inhibits the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. Therapeutic strategies that enhance miR-203 expression or silence survivin could potentially benefit lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, No. 2, North Yongning Rd, Changzhou, 213002, People's Republic of China
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