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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
MicroRNAs signatures as potential molecular markers in mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis
Natalia Vargas-Rondón1, Yeimy González-Giraldo1, Ángela Y García Fonseca1
1Experimental and Computational Biochemistry, Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
Abstract:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a decline in cognitive functioning without significant interference in daily activities. Its high heterogeneity and elevated conversion rate to dementia pose challenges for accurate diagnosis and monitoring, highlighting the urgent need to identify methodologies focused on the early detection and intervention of MCI. Due to their biological characteristics, microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential candidates as non-invasive molecular markers for the identification and assessment of MCI progression. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the miRNAs commonly deregulated in MCI, focusing on expression profiles in plasma, serum, and extracellular vesicle samples. Our analysis identified eight upregulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-149-3p, and four downregulated miRNAs, such as Let-7f-5p. Notably, hsa-miR-149-3p emerged as a central node in interaction networks, suggesting its crucial role in regulating cellular processes relevant to MCI. Additionally, pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in biological processes associated with transcriptional regulation and neurodegeneration. Our results underscore the potential of circulating miRNAs as non-invasive molecular markers for MCI and open the possibility for new methodologies that enable more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Validating the expression of miRNAs such as hsa-miR-149-3p and Let-7f-5p, along with identifying their functional role in the specific context of MCI, is essential to establish their biological relevance. This work contributes to the understanding of the miRNA profile in mild cognitive impairment using easily accessible samples, which could be useful for the development of various strategies aimed at preventing or delaying MCI in individuals at risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Insights
This study identifies specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in blood samples that are altered in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These findings suggest circulating miRNAs could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early MCI detection and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) presents diagnostic and monitoring challenges due to its heterogeneity and progression to dementia.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising non-invasive biomarkers for MCI detection and progression assessment due to their biological stability.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing MCI and preventing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis identifying commonly deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using plasma, serum, and extracellular vesicle samples.
- To investigate the potential of circulating miRNAs as non-invasive molecular markers for MCI diagnosis and progression monitoring.
- To explore the functional roles and biological pathways associated with identified miRNAs in MCI.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in plasma, serum, and extracellular vesicle samples from individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- Identification of commonly upregulated and downregulated miRNAs.
- Network analysis to identify central miRNAs and pathway analysis to determine enriched biological processes.
Main Results:
- Identified eight upregulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-149-3p, and four downregulated miRNAs, such as Let-7f-5p, in MCI.
- hsa-miR-149-3p was identified as a central node in interaction networks, indicating a significant role in MCI-related cellular processes.
- Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in transcriptional regulation and neurodegeneration pathways.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-149-3p and Let-7f-5p, show potential as non-invasive biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- These findings support the development of novel diagnostic and monitoring methodologies for MCI.
- Further validation of identified miRNAs is essential to establish their biological relevance and clinical utility in preventing dementia.
