Sex-based eRNA expression and function in ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Enhancer-derived RNAs (eRNAs) are long noncoding RNAs involved in gene transcription.
• Previous research identified 77 stroke-altered eRNAs in male mouse cortex, with one (eRNA_06347) worsening stroke outcomes.
• The role of eRNAs in female stroke pathophysiology remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate eRNA expression in the female mouse cortex following ischemic stroke.
• To compare eRNA expression patterns between male and female mice post-stroke.
• To determine if eRNA_06347 influences stroke pathophysiology in females.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze eRNA expression in female mouse cortex after stroke.
• Knockdown of eRNA_06347 was performed in female mice to assess its functional role.
• Infarct volumes were measured to evaluate stroke severity.

Main Results:

• Only a subset of the 77 male-identified eRNAs were detected in the female post-stroke cortex.
• eRNA_06347 was significantly induced in both male and female mice post-stroke.
• Knockdown of eRNA_06347 in females led to increased infarct volumes, similar to males.

Conclusions:

• eRNA_06347 plays a conserved role in modulating stroke pathophysiology in both male and female mice.
• eRNAs exhibit both sex-dependent and sex-independent expression patterns following ischemic stroke.
• These findings highlight the potential significance of eRNAs in sex-specific stroke responses.