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MicroRNAs Play a Role in Parkinson's Disease by Regulating Microglia Function: From Pathogenetic Involvement to
Silu Li1, Guorong Bi2, Shunchang Han2
1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a clinically common neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. Microglia (MG), as an innate immune cell in the CNS, are involved in a variety of immunity and inflammatory responses in the CNS. A number of studies have shown that the overactivation of MG is one of the critical pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to be an important class of gene expression regulators and are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological mechanisms, including immunity and inflammation. In addition, miRNAs can affect the progress of PD by regulating the expression of various MG genes and the polarization state of the MG. Here, we summarize recent articles and describe the important role of MG pathological polarization in the progression of PD, the diverse mechanisms responsible for how miRNAs regulate MG, and the potential therapeutic prospects of miRNAs for PD. We also propose that the regulation of miRNAs may be a novel protective approach against the pathogenesis of PD.
Insights
Microglia overactivation drives Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) offer a novel therapeutic strategy by regulating microglia function and polarization in PD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) involves dopamine neuron loss in the substantia nigra.
- Microglia (MG), the central nervous system's immune cells, are implicated in PD pathogenesis through overactivation and inflammation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene regulators involved in immune and inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microglial pathological polarization in PD progression.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate microglia in PD.
- To explore miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for PD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent articles on PD, microglia, and miRNAs.
- Analysis of miRNA regulation of microglia gene expression and polarization.
- Synthesis of current understanding of miRNA functions in PD pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Microglial overactivation is a critical factor in PD.
- miRNAs significantly influence MG polarization and function.
- Dysregulated miRNA activity contributes to PD progression.
Conclusions:
- Microglial pathological polarization is central to PD.
- miRNAs represent a promising therapeutic target for PD.
- Regulating miRNAs may offer a novel protective approach against PD.
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