Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026
11:44
Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
8.0K
Integrated Analysis of microRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles: An Attempt to Disentangle the Complex Interaction
Nicoletta Nuzziello1, Francesco Craig2, Marta Simone3
1Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Bari Unit, 70126 Bari, Italy. nicoletta.nuzziello@gmail.com.
Brain Sciences
|October 27, 2019
Summary
This study reveals key microRNA (miRNA) and gene expression differences in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These findings highlight immune system involvement and potential new therapeutic targets for ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with unclear causes.
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of ADHD is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel regulatory networks and molecular pathways associated with ADHD.
- To investigate differences in microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in children with ADHD compared to typically developing children.
Main Methods:
- Integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling in peripheral blood samples from children with ADHD and typically developing controls.
- Microfluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for miRNA analysis.
- Genome analysis for differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs.
- Bioinformatic tools for miRNA targetome identification.
- Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses.
Main Results:
- Six miRNAs and 560 genes were significantly differentially expressed in ADHD cases.
- Three miRNAs (miR-652-3p, miR-148b-3p, miR-942-5p) and known ADHD-associated genes showed significant differential expression.
- Enrichment analyses indicated a strong involvement of DE genes in immune functions.
- A complex miRNA-target interaction network in ADHD was constructed.
Conclusions:
- Immune system imbalance may play a role in ADHD etiology.
- The identified miRNA-target network provides insights into ADHD pathogenesis.
- Further validation in larger cohorts is needed to explore novel therapeutic strategies for ADHD.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
692
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
692
01:22MicroRNAs
3.7K
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...
3.7K
01:22MicroRNAs
23.8K
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...
23.8K