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MEF2C mRNA expression and cognitive function in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease
Tomoko Sao1, Yuta Yoshino1, Kiyohiro Yamazaki1
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules, and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan.
Aim:
Despite continuing research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), its pathological mechanisms and modulating factors remain unknown. Several genes influence AD pathogenesis by affecting inflammatory pathways. Myocyte-enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is one such candidate gene for AD.
Methods:
We examined MEF2C mRNA expression levels and methylation rates of CpG on its promoter region in peripheral leukocytes from Japanese AD patients compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects.
Results:
In peripheral leukocytes, MEF2C mRNA expression levels in AD subjects were significantly lower than those in control subjects (0.86 ± 0.25 vs 0.99 ± 0.27, respectively, P = 0.007) and were correlated with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (r = -0.345, P = 0.049) and the Mini Mental State Examination (r = 0.324, P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in methylation rates between AD and control subjects.
Conclusion:
MEF2C mRNA expression in leukocytes may be a biological marker for cognitive decline in AD.
Insights
Myocyte-enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) mRNA expression is lower in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Lower MEF2C levels correlate with cognitive decline, suggesting it may be a biomarker for AD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, with inflammatory pathways implicated.
- Myocyte-enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is a candidate gene influencing AD pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MEF2C mRNA expression and promoter methylation in Japanese AD patients.
- To determine if MEF2C levels correlate with cognitive function in AD.
Main Methods:
- Quantified MEF2C mRNA levels in peripheral leukocytes of AD patients and controls.
- Analyzed CpG promoter methylation rates of the MEF2C gene.
- Correlated MEF2C expression with Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and Mini Mental State Examination scores.
Main Results:
- MEF2C mRNA expression was significantly lower in AD subjects compared to controls (P=0.007).
- Reduced MEF2C mRNA levels correlated with poorer performance on cognitive assessments (ADAS r=-0.345, P=0.049; MMSE r=0.324, P=0.02).
- No significant differences in MEF2C promoter methylation were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- MEF2C mRNA expression in leukocytes may serve as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
- These findings highlight the role of MEF2C in AD and its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic indicator.
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