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Exosomal microRNA Differential Expression in Plasma of Young Adults with Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and
Rany Vorn1, Maiko Suarez2, Jacob C White3
1National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Abstract:
Chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has long-term consequences, such as neurological disability, but its pathophysiological mechanism is unknown. Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) may be important mediators of molecular and cellular changes involved in persistent symptoms after mTBI. We profiled exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) in plasma from young adults with or without a chronic mTBI to decipher the underlying mechanisms of its long-lasting symptoms after mTBI. We identified 25 significantly dysregulated exomiRNAs in the chronic mTBI group (n = 29, with 4.48 mean years since the last injury) compared to controls (n = 11). These miRNAs are associated with pathways of neurological disease, organismal injury and abnormalities, and psychological disease. Dysregulation of these plasma exomiRNAs in chronic mTBI may indicate that neuronal inflammation can last long after the injury and result in enduring and persistent post-injury symptoms. These findings are useful for diagnosing and treating chronic mTBIs.
Insights
Chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) causes long-term neurological issues. Researchers found altered exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) in mTBI patients, suggesting persistent neuroinflammation as a cause.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) leads to persistent neurological deficits, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) are implicated as potential mediators of cellular and molecular alterations following mTBI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) in the pathophysiology of chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- To identify specific exomiRNAs in plasma that are dysregulated in individuals with chronic mTBI.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from young adults with chronic mTBI (n=29) and healthy controls (n=11).
- Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) were profiled to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between the groups.
Main Results:
- Twenty-five exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) were significantly dysregulated in the chronic mTBI group compared to controls.
- These dysregulated exomiRNAs are linked to pathways involved in neurological disease, organismal abnormalities, and psychological disorders.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of plasma exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) in chronic mTBI may reflect persistent neuroinflammation.
- These findings offer potential biomarkers for diagnosing and treating chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and its enduring symptoms.
