A Comprehensive Review of Membrane Transporters and MicroRNA Regulation in Alzheimer's Disease

Shatakshi Mishra1, B Stany1, Anushka Das1

  • 1School of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.

PubMed

Insights

This review explores how solute carrier (SLC) transporters and microRNAs (miRNAs) interact in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding these connections offers new avenues for AD drug development and therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles.
  • The roles of solute carrier (SLC) transporters and microRNAs (miRNAs) in AD pathogenesis are increasingly recognized.
  • SLCs are crucial for transporting essential molecules like glutamate and glucose in the brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the localization, substrates, and functions of brain SLC transporters in AD.
  • To examine the significance of miRNAs in AD, including mitochondrial and synaptic roles.
  • To explore the interplay between miRNAs targeting SLCs and their therapeutic potential in AD.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on SLC transporters and miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease.
  • Analysis of the transcriptional, processing, and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs.
  • Investigation of the interactions between SLCs and miRNA regulation in the context of AD.

Main Results:

  • SLC transporters play vital roles in brain function and are implicated in AD.
  • MiRNAs are key regulators in AD, influencing mitochondrial and synaptic pathways.
  • A significant nexus exists between miRNAs targeting SLC transporters, presenting potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • The intricate relationship between SLC transporters and miRNA regulation is central to Alzheimer's disease.
  • Further research into these interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
  • Targeting the SLC-miRNA axis holds promise for future AD treatments.

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