Transcriptome sequencing reveals circRNA expression profile in Parkinson's disease-like mice after aerobic exercise

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder impacting motor function.
• Aerobic exercise (EX) shows promise in mitigating PD-related motor impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
• To explore the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in exercise-induced improvements in PD.

Main Methods:

• Mice were induced with Parkinson's disease using MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine).
• An aerobic exercise regimen was implemented for 4 weeks.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to analyze circRNA expression profiles.

Main Results:

• Aerobic exercise ameliorated MPTP-induced motor deficits and rescued neuronal survival in PD mice.
• 142 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified between PD and EX-PD groups, primarily in PD, dopaminergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathways.
• Specific circRNAs (circZfp827, circTshz2, circHivep2) were identified as potential mediators of exercise benefits via a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network.

Conclusions:

• Aerobic exercise effectively improves motor function and pathological features in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
• circRNA expression profiles reveal potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for exercise intervention in PD.
• The study highlights the ceRNA mechanism involving circZfp827, circHivep2, and circTshz2 in exercise's beneficial effects on PD.