Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
Stereotactic Atlas-Guided Laser Capture Microdissection of Brain Regions Affected by Traumatic Injury
Published on: September 11, 2017
MicroRNA Analysis of Human Stroke Brain Tissue Resected during Decompressive Craniectomy/Stroke-Ectomy Surgery
Andrew P Carlson1, William McKay1, Jeremy S Edwards2
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Background:
Signaling pathways mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as one of the mechanisms that regulate stroke progression and recovery. Recent investigations using stroke patient blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated disease-specific alterations in miRNA expression. In this study, for the first time, we investigated miRNA expression signatures in freshly removed human stroke brain tissue.
Methods:
Human brain samples were obtained during craniectomy and brain tissue resection in severe stroke patients with life-threatening brain swelling. The tissue samples were subjected to histopathological and immunofluorescence microscopy evaluation, next generation miRNA sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatic analysis.
Results:
miRNA NGS analysis detected 34 miRNAs with significantly aberrant expression in stroke tissue, as compared to non-stroke samples. Of these miRNAs, 19 were previously identified in stroke patient blood and CSF, while dysregulation of 15 miRNAs was newly detected in this study. miRNA direct target gene analysis and bioinformatics approach demonstrated a strong association of the identified miRNAs with stroke-related biological processes and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
Dysregulated miRNAs detected in our study could be regarded as potential candidates for biomarkers and/or targets for therapeutic intervention. The results described herein further our understanding of the molecular basis of stroke and provide valuable information for the future functional studies in the experimental models of stroke.
Insights
This study analyzed microRNA (miRNA) expression in human stroke brain tissue, identifying 34 altered miRNAs. These findings offer potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for stroke, advancing understanding of its molecular basis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate stroke progression and recovery.
- Altered miRNA expression is observed in stroke patient blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate miRNA expression signatures in human stroke brain tissue.
- To identify novel miRNAs and pathways associated with stroke.
Main Methods:
- Human brain tissue samples from severe stroke patients.
- Histopathological and immunofluorescence microscopy.
- Next-generation miRNA sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic analysis.
Main Results:
- 34 miRNAs showed significantly aberrant expression in stroke tissue compared to non-stroke samples.
- 19 miRNAs were previously identified in stroke patient biofluids; 15 were newly detected.
- Identified miRNAs strongly associate with stroke-related biological processes and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated miRNAs in stroke tissue are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- These findings enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying stroke.
- Provides valuable data for future experimental stroke research.
