Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2025

Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction PPI Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
09:38

Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction PPI Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: November 14, 2017

15.0K

The interplay between micro RNAs and genetic liability to Alzheimer's Disease on memory trajectories in the general

Sandra Van der Auwera1, Linda Garvert2, Sabine Ameling3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases DZNE, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.

Psychiatry Research
|March 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies specific microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to verbal memory decline, potentially serving as early biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD). These findings highlight the interplay between genetic risk and epigenetic markers in cognitive health.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Cognitive deficits and memory loss are early indicators of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are being investigated as potential epigenetic biomarkers for early disease detection.
  • Understanding the relationship between genetic predisposition and epigenetic factors in cognitive decline is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between baseline miRNA levels and longitudinal changes in verbal memory.
  • To assess the impact of genetic liability for AD on verbal memory.
  • To explore potential interactions between epigenetic (miRNA) and genetic markers in relation to verbal memory changes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 167 baseline miRNA levels in relation to verbal memory changes over a mean follow-up of 7.4 years in a general population sample (n=548).
  • Assessment of the impact of a polygenic risk score for AD on verbal memory scores in a larger cohort (n=2,334).
  • Statistical analysis to identify interactions between miRNA levels and genetic risk scores concerning verbal memory changes.

Main Results:

  • Two miRNAs were significantly associated with changes in immediate verbal memory over time.
  • Five miRNAs exhibited a significant interaction effect with a polygenic risk score for AD on verbal memory changes.
  • The identified miRNAs have prior associations with AD, neurodegeneration, or cognitive function.

Conclusions:

  • Candidate miRNAs have been identified that may serve as early indicators of verbal memory decline in neurodegeneration and AD.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for specific miRNAs in the prodromal stages of AD.
  • Further experimental research is warranted to validate the diagnostic utility of these miRNA biomarkers.
Keywords:
Alzheimer polygenic scoreBiomarkersInteraction analyseshsa-miR-19a-3phsa-miR-485-3pmicro RNAs

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring Sex-Specific Glial Signatures and Therapeutic Leads for Alzheimer's Disease04:22

Author Spotlight: Exploring Sex-Specific Glial Signatures and Therapeutic Leads for Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: May 20, 2024

926
Harnessing the Power of MicroRNA Cargoes in Small Extracellular Vesicles Released from Fresh-Frozen Human Brain Sections07:55

Harnessing the Power of MicroRNA Cargoes in Small Extracellular Vesicles Released from Fresh-Frozen Human Brain Sections

Published on: November 8, 2024

487

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.1K
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
575
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
645
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory

Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
 Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
699