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miR-124 regulates cell apoptosis and autophagy in dopaminergic neurons and protects them by regulating AMPK/mTOR

Xin Gong1, Huiqing Wang2, Yongyi Ye2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University; The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and RegenerationGuangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Provincial People's HospitalChangsha 410005, Hunan, China.

American Journal of Translational Research
|June 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) protects dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) by regulating apoptosis and autophagy. Its suppression increases neuronal death and alters autophagy, while restoration offers protection via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is increasingly recognized for its roles in disease development.
  • Parkinson's disease (PD) involves dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss, apoptosis, and altered autophagy.
  • Understanding miR-124's function in PD pathogenesis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-124 in DA neuronal apoptosis and autophagy in PD.
  • To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involving the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Main Methods:

  • MPTP-treated human SH-SY5Y cells were used as a PD model.
  • RT-PCR and western blotting analyzed miR-124 mRNA, apoptosis, autophagy markers (Beclin 1, LC3 II/LC3 I), and AMPK/mTOR pathway proteins.
  • miR-124 levels were manipulated using vector transfection.

Main Results:

  • MPTP treatment downregulated miR-124 in neurons.
  • miR-124 suppression increased DA neuronal apoptosis and induced autophagy.
  • Restoring miR-124 decreased apoptosis and normalized autophagy markers.
  • miR-124 suppression altered the AMPK/mTOR pathway, increasing p-AMPK and decreasing p-mTOR.

Conclusions:

  • miR-124 acts as a protective factor for DA neurons in PD.
  • Its protective effects are mediated through the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy.
  • The AMPK/mTOR pathway is a key mechanism through which miR-124 exerts its neuroprotective functions in PD.
Keywords:
AMPK/mTOR pathwayParkinson’s diseasecell apoptosis and autophagydopaminergic nerve cellsmiR-124

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