LncRNA MEG8 ameliorates Parkinson's disease neuro-inflammation through miR-485-3p/FBXO45 axis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long non-coding RNA maternally expressed 8 (MEG8) is implicated in inflammatory regulation.
• The role and mechanisms of MEG8 in Parkinson's disease (PD) remain uncharacterized.
• This study investigates the clinical significance and biological function of MEG8 in PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate MEG8 as a diagnostic biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD).
• To elucidate the biological function and underlying mechanisms of MEG8 in PD pathogenesis.
• To explore the potential of MEG8 in mitigating inflammatory responses associated with PD.

Main Methods:

• Serum and cellular levels of MEG8, miR-485-3p, and FBXO45 were quantified using RT-qPCR in 102 PD patients, 86 AD patients, and 80 healthy controls.
• An in vitro model of LPS-induced microglia BV2 cells was utilized to study inflammatory responses.
• Diagnostic value was assessed via ROC curve analysis, and targeting relationships were validated using dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays.

Main Results:

• MEG8 and FBXO45 levels were significantly decreased in PD patients and LPS-treated BV2 cells, while miR-485-3p levels were elevated.
• Serum MEG8 demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing PD patients from healthy and AD controls.
• MEG8 alleviated LPS-induced inflammation, an effect dependent on the miR-485-3p/FBXO45 axis, where MEG8 acts as a sponge for miR-485-3p, inhibiting it and promoting FBXO45 expression.

Conclusions:

• Elevated MEG8 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD).
• MEG8 may exert anti-inflammatory effects in PD through the miR-485-3p/FBXO45 pathway.
• The findings highlight a novel molecular mechanism involving MEG8 in PD pathophysiology.