MicroRNA‑138‑5p regulates neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro by targeting TRIP6 expression

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Stem Cell Research

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation.
• Understanding miRNA roles is vital for developing treatments for neurological disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of microRNA (miR)-138-5p in regulating neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation.
• To identify the molecular targets and mechanisms through which miR-138-5p exerts its effects on NSCs.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure miR-138-5p expression during NSC differentiation.
• Transfection with miR-138-5p mimics and inhibitors to manipulate its levels in NSCs.
• Luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct binding of miR-138-5p to its target mRNA.
• Overexpression and knockdown of the target gene, thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 6 (TRIP6), to assess its interaction with miR-138-5p effects.

Main Results:

• miR-138-5p expression decreased during in vitro neural differentiation of NSCs.
• Overexpression of miR-138-5p inhibited NSC proliferation and promoted differentiation.
• Suppression of miR-138-5p enhanced NSC proliferation and attenuated differentiation.
• TRIP6 was identified as a direct target of miR-138-5p, with its expression negatively correlated to miR-138-5p levels.
• Modulation of TRIP6 expression rescued or mimicked the effects of miR-138-5p on NSC proliferation and differentiation.

Conclusions:

• miR-138-5p acts as a negative regulator of NSC proliferation and a positive regulator of NSC differentiation.
• The miR-138-5p/TRIP6 axis is a critical pathway controlling NSC fate.
• Targeting miR-138-5p in NSCs offers a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.