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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Detection of MicroRNAs in Microglia by Real-time PCR in Normal CNS and During Neuroinflammation
Published on: July 23, 2012
MicroRNA-124 influenced depressive symptoms via large-scale brain connectivity in major depressive disorder patients
Cancan He1, Qing Wang1, Dandan Fan1
1Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms by which microRNA 124 (miR-124) is involved in major depressive disorder (MDD). We enrolled 53 untreated MDD patients and 38 healthy control (HC) subjects who completed behavior assessments and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans. MiR-124 expression levels were detected in the peripheral blood of all participants. We determined that miR-124 levels could influence depressive symptoms via disrupted large-scale intrinsic intra- and internetwork connectivity, including the default mode network (DMN)-DMN, dorsal attention network (DAN)-salience network (SN), and DAN-cingulo-opercular network (CON). This study deepens our understanding of how miR-124 dysregulation contributes to depression.
Insights
MicroRNA 124 (miR-124) levels impact major depressive disorder (MDD) by altering brain network connectivity. This finding offers new insights into the neurobiology of depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mood disorder with complex neurobiological underpinnings.
- MicroRNAs, such as microRNA 124 (miR-124), are increasingly recognized for their role in regulating gene expression and cellular function.
- Dysregulation of miR-124 has been implicated in various neurological conditions, but its specific role in MDD requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobiological mechanisms linking miR-124 expression to MDD.
- To examine the relationship between peripheral miR-124 levels and brain functional connectivity in MDD patients.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 53 untreated MDD patients and 38 healthy controls (HC).
- Conducted behavioral assessments and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).
- Quantified miR-124 expression levels in peripheral blood.
Main Results:
- Found significant differences in miR-124 levels between MDD patients and HC subjects.
- Demonstrated that miR-124 levels correlate with disrupted intrinsic connectivity within and between large-scale brain networks.
- Specifically identified altered connectivity in the default mode network (DMN)-DMN, dorsal attention network (DAN)-salience network (SN), and DAN-cingulo-opercular network (CON).
Conclusions:
- miR-124 dysregulation is associated with altered brain network connectivity in MDD.
- These connectivity disruptions may mediate the influence of miR-124 on depressive symptoms.
- This study enhances the understanding of miR-124's role in the neurobiology of major depressive disorder.
