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Role of MicroRNAs in Parkinson's Disease
Suh Yee Goh1, Yin Xia Chao2,3,4, Shaikali Thameem Dheen1
1Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 4 Medical Drive, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
Abstract:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disease that manifests with resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability. Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 1993, miRNAs have been shown to be important biological molecules involved in diverse processes to maintain normal cellular functions. Over the past decade, many studies have reported dysregulation of miRNA expressions in PD. Here, we identified 15 miRNAs from 34 reported screening studies that demonstrated dysregulation in the brain and/or neuronal models, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Specific miRNAs-of-interest that have been implicated in PD pathogenesis include miR-30, miR-29, let-7, miR-485 and miR-26. However, there are several challenges and limitations in drawing definitive conclusions due to the small sample size in clinical studies, varied laboratory techniques and methodologies and their incomplete penetrance of the blood-brain barrier. Developing an optimal delivery system and unravelling druggable targets of miRNAs in both experimental and human models and clinical validation of the results may pave way for novel therapeutics in PD.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show altered expression in Parkinson's disease (PD). Further research into these biomarkers and their delivery systems could lead to new PD treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular functions, and their dysregulation is implicated in various diseases.
- Recent studies suggest altered miRNA expression plays a role in PD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific microRNAs (miRNAs) dysregulated in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- To review existing literature on miRNA involvement in PD.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for miRNA-based PD therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 34 screening studies reporting miRNA dysregulation in PD.
- Analysis of miRNA expression data from brain, neuronal models, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood.
- Identification of key miRNAs implicated in PD pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Fifteen dysregulated miRNAs were identified across various models and biofluids in PD.
- Specific miRNAs such as miR-30, miR-29, let-7, miR-485, and miR-26 were highlighted.
- Challenges include small sample sizes, methodological variations, and blood-brain barrier penetration.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated miRNAs are potential biomarkers for Parkinson's disease.
- Further research is needed to overcome current limitations in clinical studies.
- Development of optimal delivery systems and target validation are crucial for miRNA-based PD therapeutics.
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