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Role of miRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease and Possible Fields of Application
Serena Silvestro1, Placido Bramanti1, Emanuela Mazzon2
1IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
miRNAs (or microRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNA molecules, responsible for post-transcriptional gene silencing through binding to the coding region as well as 3' and 5' untranslated region of target genes. About 70% of experimentally detectable miRNAs are expressed in the brain and some studies suggest that miRNAs are intimately involved in synaptic function and in specific signals during memory formation. More and more evidence demonstrates the possible involvement of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of senile dementia, a disease that affects memory and cognitive functions. It is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of synapses, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU protein. This review aims to provide an overview of the in vivo studies of the last 5 years in the literature describing the role of the different miRNAs involved in AD. miRNAs hold huge potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and, at the same time, their modulation could be a potential therapeutic strategy against AD.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in brain function and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review covers recent in vivo studies on miRNA roles in AD, highlighting their biomarker and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of post-transcriptional gene silencing.
- They play crucial roles in synaptic function and memory formation.
- Emerging evidence links miRNAs to the neurodegenerative pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in vivo studies from the last five years on the involvement of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for AD.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of miRNA modulation in AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vivo studies published within the last 5 years.
- Focus on studies investigating the role of specific miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of findings related to miRNA function in AD pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Numerous miRNAs are implicated in the complex molecular pathways of Alzheimer's disease.
- Specific miRNAs show altered expression patterns in AD models and patients.
- These miRNAs influence key AD pathologies, including amyloid-β and TAU.
- In vivo studies provide evidence for miRNA involvement in synaptic dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are significantly involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
- miRNAs represent promising biomarkers for AD diagnosis and prognosis.
- Modulating miRNA activity offers a potential therapeutic avenue for AD treatment.