Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Cerebrospinal Fluid MicroRNA Profiling Using Quantitative Real Time PCR
09:26

Cerebrospinal Fluid MicroRNA Profiling Using Quantitative Real Time PCR

Published on: January 22, 2014

MicroRNA in Alzheimer's disease: an exploratory study in brain, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma

Lynn M Bekris1, Franziska Lutz, Thomas J Montine

  • 1Department of Geriatric (GRECC), Research, Education, and Clinical Centers, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. lbekris@uw.edu

Biomarkers : Biochemical Indicators of Exposure, Response, and Susceptibility to Chemicals
|July 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in human biofluids show potential as Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers. Plasma miR-15a levels correlated with neuritic plaque scores, suggesting utility in AD diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and post-mortem analysis.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs implicated in gene regulation and disease processes.
  • Identifying reliable biomarkers for AD is crucial for early detection and therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differential expression of miRNAs in human brain and biofluids related to AD.
  • To assess the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
  • To correlate miRNA levels with neuropathological hallmarks like plaque score and Braak stage.

Main Methods:

  • MicroRNA profiling in post-mortem brain (PMB) tissue using arrays.
  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for miRNA validation.
  • Measurement of specific miRNAs in independent samples of PMB, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma.

Main Results:

  • Five miRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR in PMB samples.
  • Plasma miR-15a levels demonstrated a significant association with neuritic plaque scores in an independent cohort.
  • Differential expression patterns were observed across tissue types and disease stages.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs circulating in human biofluids, such as plasma, hold promise as accessible biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
  • Plasma miR-15a may serve as a potential indicator of AD neuropathology.
  • Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.

More Related Videos

Harnessing the Power of MicroRNA Cargoes in Small Extracellular Vesicles Released from Fresh-Frozen Human Brain Sections07:55

Harnessing the Power of MicroRNA Cargoes in Small Extracellular Vesicles Released from Fresh-Frozen Human Brain Sections

Published on: November 8, 2024

Detection of MicroRNAs in Microglia by Real-time PCR in Normal CNS and During Neuroinflammation13:36

Detection of MicroRNAs in Microglia by Real-time PCR in Normal CNS and During Neuroinflammation

Published on: July 23, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...