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Published on: August 10, 2018
MicroRNAs Dysregulation and Metabolism in Multiple System Atrophy
Chunchen Xiang1, Shunchang Han1, Jianfei Nao1
1Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult onset, fatal disease, characterized by an accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in oligodendroglial cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-translational regulation and several biological processes. Disruption of miRNA-related pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including MSA. While the exact mechanisms underlying miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MSA remain unclear, it is known that miRNAs can repress the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that regulate the following pathogenesis associated with MSA: autophagy, neuroinflammation, α-syn accumulation, synaptic transmission, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In this review, the metabolism of miRNAs and their functional roles in the pathogenesis of MSA are discussed, thereby highlighting miRNAs as potential new biomarkers for the diagnosis of MSA and in increasing our understanding of the disease process.
Insights
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) involves alpha-synuclein accumulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in MSA pathogenesis, offering potential diagnostic biomarkers and insights into disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by alpha-synuclein aggregation in oligodendroglia.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, regulate gene expression and are crucial in central nervous system (CNS) function.
- Dysregulation of miRNA pathways is increasingly recognized in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders like MSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the metabolism and functional roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MSA.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which miRNAs influence key pathological processes in MSA.
- To highlight the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for MSA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miRNA involvement in MSA.
- Analysis of miRNA regulatory roles in MSA-associated pathways.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA metabolism and function in the CNS.
Main Results:
- miRNAs can repress messenger RNAs (mRNAs) involved in MSA pathogenesis, including those regulating autophagy, neuroinflammation, alpha-synuclein accumulation, synaptic transmission, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
- Disrupted miRNA pathways are integral to the molecular mechanisms driving MSA.
- miRNAs exhibit potential as biomarkers for MSA diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Multiple System Atrophy.
- Understanding miRNA function in MSA can lead to novel diagnostic strategies.
- Further research into miRNA metabolism and function is essential for advancing MSA understanding and treatment.
