MicroRNA-29b Suppresses Inflammation and Protects Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Ischemic Stroke

Fetal Brain-Derived Exosomal miRNAs from Maternal Blood: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability but cannot be diagnosed early in utero. Because several microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in other neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, the effects of EtOH exposure on the expression of these miRNAs and their target genes and pathways were assessed. In women who drank alcohol (EtOH) during pregnancy and non-drinking controls, matched individually for fetal sex and gestational age, the levels of miRNAs in fetal brain-derived exosomes (FB-Es) isolated from the mothers' serum correlated well with the contents of the corresponding fetal brain tissues obtained after voluntary pregnancy termination. In six EtOH-exposed cases and six matched controls, the levels of fetal brain and maternal serum miRNAs were quantified on the array by qRT-PCR. In FB-Es from 10 EtOH-exposed cases and 10 controls, selected miRNAs were quantified by ddPCR. Protein levels were quantified by ELISA. There were significant EtOH-associated reductions in the expression of several miRNAs, including miR-9 and its downstream neuronal targets BDNF, REST, Synapsin, and Sonic hedgehog. In 20 paired cases, reductions in FB-E miR-9 levels correlated strongly with reductions in fetal eye diameter, a prominent feature of FASDs. Thus, FB-E miR-9 levels might serve as a biomarker to predict FASDs in at-risk fetuses.

MicroRNA Regulatory Pattern in Diabetic Mouse Cortex at Different Stages Following Ischemic Stroke

After ischemic stroke, microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in various processes, including immune responses, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Diabetes is a key factor increasing the risk of ischemic stroke; however, the regulatory pattern of miRNAs at different stages of diabetic stroke remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in diabetic mice at 1, 3, and 7 days post-reperfusion following the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We identified differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in diabetic stroke and found significant dysregulation of some novel miRNAs (novel_mir310, novel_mir89, and novel_mir396) post-stroke. These DEmiRNAs were involved in apoptosis and the formation of tight junctions. Finally, we identified three groups of time-dependent DE miRNAs (miR-6240, miR-135b-3p, and miR-672-5p). These have the potential to serve as biomarkers of diabetic stroke. These findings provide a new perspective for future research, emphasizing the dynamic changes in miRNA expression after diabetic stroke and offering potential candidates as biomarkers for future clinical applications.

Non-coding RNAs and Aquaporin 4: Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are a major group of non-communicable diseases affecting quality of life. Non-Coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have an important role in the etiology of neurological disorders. In studies on the genesis of neurological diseases, aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression and activity have both been linked to ncRNAs. The upregulation or downregulation of several ncRNAs leads to neurological disorder progression by targeting AQP4. The role of ncRNAs and AQP4 in neurological disorders is discussed in this review.

MiR-29b Alleviates High Glucose-induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in Podocytes by Down-regulating PRKAB2

BACKGROUND

Podocyte injury and inflammatory response are the core contributors to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. This study aims to identify novel regulatory miRNAs and elucidate their underlying mechanisms, which will help us understand the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy more comprehensively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different glucose concentrations were used to treat podocytes to mimic the pathology of diabetic nephropathy in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell apoptosis. Inflammatory cytokines released by podocytes were measured by using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western Blot was used to detect the expression of PRKAB2 protein in podocytes.

RESULTS

Genecard and g: profiler results revealed that miR-29b might be involved in regulating HG-induced cell injury. QRT-PCR indicated that HG-induced downregulation of miR-29b in podocytes. MiR-29b knockdown promoted cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in podocytes. MiR-29b overexpression repressed cell apoptosis and inflammatory response induced by high glucose treatment in podocytes. Luciferase reporter assay and Western Blot showed that miR-29b targeted PRKAB2 to negatively regulate PRKAB2 expression directly. Knockdown of PRKAB2 reversed the increased cell apoptosis and inflammation induced by miR-29b inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

MiR-29b plays a role in inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in high glucose (HG) treated podocytes by negatively regulating PRKAB2 expression. This study provides new potential targets and ideas for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Unveiling the regulatory role of miRNAs in stroke pathophysiology and diagnosis

Stroke, a major global cause of mortality, leads to a range of problems for those who survive. Besides its brutal events, stroke also tends to have a characteristic of recurrence, making it a complex disease involving intricate regulatory networks. One of the major cellular regulators is the non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), thus the possible functions of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of stroke are discussed as well as the possibility of using miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. Firstly, the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate vital physiological processes, including synaptic plasticity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are reviewed. The miRNA indirectly impacts stroke outcomes by regulating BBB function and angiogenesis through the targeting of transcription factors and angiogenic factors. In addition, the tendency for some miRNAs to be upregulated in response to hypoxia, which is a prevalent phenomenon in stroke and various neurological disorders, highlights the possibility that it controls hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling and angiogenesis, thereby influencing the integrity of the BBB as examples of the discussed mechanisms. Furthermore, this review explores the potential therapeutic targets that miRNAs may offer for stroke recovery and highlights their promising capacity to alleviate post-stroke complications. This review provides researchers and clinicians with valuable resources since it attempts to decipher the complex network of miRNA-mediated mechanisms in stroke. Additionally, the review addresses the interplay between miRNAs and stroke risk factors as well as clinical applications of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Clearance dysfunction of trans-barrier transport and lymphatic drainage in cerebral small vessel disease: Review and prospect

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) causes 20%-25% of stroke and contributes to 45% of dementia cases worldwide. However, since its early symptoms are inconclusive in addition to the complexity of the pathological basis, there is a rather limited effective therapies and interventions. Recently, accumulating evidence suggested that various brain-waste-clearance dysfunctions are closely related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of CSVD, and after a comprehensive and systematic review we classified them into two broad categories: trans-barrier transport and lymphatic drainage. The former includes blood brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and the latter, glymphatic-meningeal lymphatic system and intramural periarterial drainage pathway. We summarized the concepts and potential mechanisms of these clearance systems, proposing a relatively complete framework for elucidating their interactions with CSVD. In addition, we also discussed recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting clearance dysfunction, which may be an important area for future CSVD research.

The microRNAs (miRs) overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in neurological disorders; hope or hype

Altered expression of multiple miRNAs was found to be extensively involved in the pathogenesis of different neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. One of the biggest concerns within gene-based therapy is the delivery of the therapeutic microRNAs to the intended place, which is obligated to surpass the biological barriers without undergoing degradation in the bloodstream or renal excretion. Hence, the delivery of modified and unmodified miRNA molecules using excellent vehicles is required. In this light, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted increasing attention. The MSCs can be genetically modified to express or overexpress a particular microRNA aimed with promote neurogenesis and neuroprotection. The current review has focused on the therapeutic capabilities of microRNAs-overexpressing MSCs to ameliorate functional deficits in neurological conditions.

Tight junction proteins related to blood-brain barrier and their regulatory signaling pathways in ischemic stroke

Tight junctions (TJs) are crucial for intercellular connections. The abnormal expression of proteins related to TJs can result in TJ destruction, structural damage, and endothelial and epithelial cell dysfunction. These factors are associated with the occurrence and progression of several diseases. Studies have shown that blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and dysfunction are the prominent pathological features of stroke. TJs are directly associated with the BBB integrity. In this article, we first discuss the structure and function of BBB TJ-related proteins before focusing on the crucial events that cause TJ dysfunction and BBB damage, as well as the regulatory mechanisms that affect the qualitative and quantitative expression of TJ proteins during ischemic stroke. Multiple regulatory mechanisms, including phosphorylation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and microRNAs, regulate TJ-related proteins and affect BBB permeability. Some signaling pathways and mechanisms have been demonstrated to have dual functions. Hopefully, our understanding of the regulation of BBB TJs in ischemic stroke will be applied to the development of targeted medications and therapeutic therapies.

Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Induced Blood Brain Barrier Dysfunction and the Involved Molecular Mechanism

Stroke is characterized by the abrupt failure of blood flow to a specific brain region, resulting in insufficient supply of oxygen and glucose to the ischemic tissues. Timely reperfusion of blood flow can rescue dying tissue but can also lead to secondary damage to both the infarcted tissues and the blood-brain barrier, known as ischemia/reperfusion injury. Both primary and secondary damage result in biphasic opening of the blood-brain barrier, leading to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and vasogenic edema. Importantly, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and microglial activation are critical factors that worsen stroke outcomes. Activated microglia secrete numerous cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory factors during neuroinflammation, contributing to the second opening of the blood-brain barrier and worsening the outcome of ischemic stroke. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and other microglia-derived molecules have been shown to be involved in the breakdown of blood-brain barrier. Additionally, other non-microglia-derived molecules such as RNA, HSPs, and transporter proteins also participate in the blood-brain barrier breakdown process after ischemic stroke, either in the primary damage stage directly influencing tight junction proteins and endothelial cells, or in the secondary damage stage participating in the following neuroinflammation. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular components of the blood-brain barrier and concludes the association of microglia-derived and non-microglia-derived molecules with blood-brain barrier dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms.

Targeting Non-Coding RNA for CNS Injuries: Regulation of Blood-Brain Barrier Functions

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries are the most common cause of death and disability around the world. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is located at the interface between the CNS and the surrounding environment, which protects the CNS from exogenous molecules, harmful agents or microorganisms in the blood. The disruption of BBB is a common feature of CNS injuries and participates in the pathological processes of secondary brain damage. Recently, a growing number of studies have indicated that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in brain development and are involved in CNS injuries. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of BBB breakdown after CNS injuries. We also discuss the effects of ncRNAs including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) on BBB damage in CNS injuries such as ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In addition, we clarify the pharmacotherapies that could regulate BBB function via ncRNAs in CNS injuries, as well as the challenges and perspectives of ncRNAs on modulation of BBB function. Hence, on the basis of these effects, ncRNAs may be developed as therapeutic agents to protect the BBB for CNS injury patients.

Circulating MicroRNAs and Extracellular Vesicle-Derived MicroRNAs as Predictors of Functional Recovery in Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stroke accounts for the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability, with limited therapeutic strategy in both the acute and chronic phases. Blood-based biomarkers are intensively researched and widely recognized as useful tools to predict the prognoses of patients confronted with therapeutically limited diseases. We performed a systematic review of the circulating biomarkers in IS patients with prognostic value, with a focus on microRNAs and exosomes as predictive biomarkers of motor and cognitive recovery. We identified 63 studies, totalizing 72 circulating biomarkers with prognostic value in stroke recovery, as follows: 68 miRNAs and exosomal-miRNAs being identified as predictive for motor recovery after stroke, and seven biomarkers being predictive for cognitive recovery. Twelve meta-analyses were performed using effect sizes (random-effects and fixed-effects model). The most significant correlation findings obtained after pooling were with miR-21, miR-29b, miR-125b-5p, miR-126, and miR-335. We identified several miRNAs that were correlated with clinical outcomes of stroke severity and recovery after ischemic stroke, providing predictive information on motor and cognitive recovery. Based on the current state of research, we identified serum miR-9 and neutrophil miR-29b as the most promising biomarkers for in-depth follow-up studies, followed by serum miR-124 and plasma miR-125b.