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Published on: February 16, 2018
The microRNA miR-21 conditions the brain to protect against ischemic and traumatic injuries
Mary S Lopez1,2, Robert J Dempsey1,2, Raghu Vemuganti1,2,3
1Cellular and Molecular Pathology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Abstract:
Ischemic and traumatic injuries to CNS remain leading causes of death and disability worldwide, despite decades of research into risk factors, therapies, and preventative measures. Recent studies showed that CNS injuries significantly alter the cerebral microRNAome that impact the secondary brain damage as well as plasticity and recovery. Many microRNA based therapies are currently in various clinical trials for different pathologic conditions indicating their therapeutic potential. In the present review, we discuss the role of miR-21 in acute CNS injuries which is currently thought to be a potent neuroprotective microRNA. We emphasize on the potential of miR-21 in promoting cell and tissue survival and preventing inflammation and apoptosis. We also discussed the role of miR-21 in conditioning the brain to promote ischemic tolerance. Finally, we discussed some of the challenges and difficulties to develop miR-21 as a neuroprotective therapy in humans.
Insights
MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) shows neuroprotective potential in central nervous system (CNS) injuries by promoting survival and reducing inflammation. Further research is needed to overcome challenges in developing miR-21 as a human therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) injuries cause significant global mortality and disability.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating secondary brain damage, plasticity, and recovery after CNS insults.
- miRNA-based therapies are emerging as promising treatments, with several in clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuroprotective role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in acute CNS injuries.
- To highlight miR-21's potential in enhancing cell survival, reducing inflammation and apoptosis, and promoting ischemic tolerance.
- To discuss the challenges associated with developing miR-21 as a therapeutic agent for human CNS injuries.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating miR-21 in CNS injury models.
- Analysis of research on miR-21's molecular mechanisms in neuroprotection.
- Examination of current clinical trial data and preclinical findings related to miR-21 therapy.
Main Results:
- miR-21 is identified as a potent neuroprotective microRNA in acute CNS injuries.
- miR-21 demonstrates efficacy in promoting cell and tissue survival, mitigating inflammation, and inhibiting apoptosis.
- miR-21 plays a role in conditioning the brain to enhance ischemic tolerance.
Conclusions:
- miR-21 holds significant therapeutic potential for acute CNS injuries due to its multifaceted neuroprotective functions.
- Translating miR-21's benefits into effective human therapies faces challenges that require further investigation.
- Continued research is essential to harness miR-21's neuroprotective capabilities for clinical application in CNS injury recovery.
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