Brain Perfusion Mediates the Relationship Between miRNA Levels and Postural Control

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Chronic inflammation and its impact on neurological function are increasingly recognized.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating cellular processes, including inflammation and immune responses.
• Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) is a key indicator of brain perfusion and metabolic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between specific miRNAs, rCBF, and motor task performance in collegiate athletes.
• To explore the mediating role of rCBF in the association between miRNA levels and balance deficits.
• To demonstrate a novel integration of transcriptomics and neuroimaging via "imaging omics".

Main Methods:

• Mediation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between transcriptomic data (miRNA levels), rCBF, and balance scores.
• Data were collected from NCAA Division I football athletes prior to in-season training.
• Virtual reality-based spatial motor tasks were used to assess balance.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of miR-30d and miR-92a were associated with increased putamen rCBF.
• Increased putamen rCBF was linked to compromised balance scores.
• Compromised balance scores were associated with elevated miRNA levels, with rCBF consistently mediating this relationship (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The findings support a chronic inflammatory model in football athletes, potentially driven by prolonged exposure to the sport.
• rCBF acts as a critical mediator, linking aberrant miRNA expression to impaired behavioral outcomes (balance).
• This study underscores the necessity of considering rCBF as a systems biology measure connecting molecular changes (miRNAs) to functional behavior.