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MicroRNA: A Linking between Astrocyte Dysfunction, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Angelica E Ramírez1, Natalia Gil-Jaramillo1, María Alejandra Tapias1
1Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia.
Abstract:
The importance of miRNAs in cellular processes and their dysregulation has taken significant importance in understanding different pathologies. Due to the constant increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) worldwide and their economic impact, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), considered a prodromal phase, is a logical starting point to study this public health problem. Multiple studies have established the importance of miRNAs in MCI, including astrocyte regulation during stressful conditions. Additionally, the protection mechanisms exerted by astrocytes against some damage in the central nervous system (CNS) lead to astrocytic reactivation, in which a differential expression of miRNAs has been shown. Nevertheless, excessive reactivation can cause neurodegeneration, and a clear pattern defining the equilibrium point between a neuroprotective or detrimental astrocytic phenotype is unknown. Therefore, the miRNA expression has gained significant attention to understand the maintenance of brain balance and improve the diagnosis and treatment at earlier stages in the ND. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the emerging role of miRNAs in cellular processes that contribute to the loss of cognitive function, including lipotoxicity, which can induce chronic inflammation, also considering the fundamental role of astrocytes in brain homeostasis.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in brain homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Understanding miRNA roles in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and astrocyte function offers new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes, and their dysregulation is implicated in various pathologies.
- Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) and their prodromal phase, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), represent a growing global health concern.
- Astrocytes play critical roles in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and neuroprotection, involving miRNA-mediated regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging role of miRNAs in cellular processes contributing to cognitive decline, focusing on MCI.
- To explore the involvement of astrocyte function and miRNA expression in maintaining brain balance and homeostasis.
- To highlight the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for early intervention in ND.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating miRNA function in neurodegeneration and mild cognitive impairment.
- Analysis of research on astrocyte biology, astrocytic reactivation, and miRNA expression patterns.
- Examination of cellular mechanisms like lipotoxicity and chronic inflammation in the context of cognitive function loss.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are significantly involved in regulating astrocyte behavior under stress and in CNS damage.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression is linked to processes contributing to cognitive impairment, including lipotoxicity and inflammation.
- The precise balance between neuroprotective and detrimental astrocyte phenotypes, influenced by miRNAs, remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- miRNA expression patterns are critical for understanding brain homeostasis and the progression of cognitive dysfunction.
- Further research into miRNA roles in MCI and astrocyte regulation is essential for developing early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Targeting miRNAs may offer a promising approach to manage neuroinflammation and restore cognitive function.
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