Deciphering the role of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease: Predictive targeting and pathway modulation - A systematic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various biological processes.
• Dysregulation of miRNAs is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in the pathogenesis of AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the roles of miRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which miRNAs influence AD hallmarks like amyloid-beta and tau pathology.
• To explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on miRNA biogenesis, function, and their involvement in AD.
• Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in AD and their functional consequences.
• Examination of computational and experimental methods for miRNA target prediction.
• Review of current and emerging miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for AD.

Main Results:

• miRNAs are significantly dysregulated in AD, affecting amyloid-beta metabolism, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and synaptic function.
• Specific miRNAs have been identified as key regulators in AD pathological pathways.
• Computational and experimental approaches have successfully identified numerous miRNA targets relevant to AD.
• miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for early diagnosis and as targets for novel therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs are integral to Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis, influencing multiple key pathways.
• Targeting miRNAs presents a promising avenue for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges in translating miRNA-based approaches into clinical practice.