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Published on: August 10, 2018
miRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases: from target screening to precision therapy
Dongyi Liao1, Yujie Zhang1, Shuangyang Li1
1Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
Abstract:
miRNAs are critical for different disease development processes, including cell growth, signaling, apoptosis, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown that altered miRNA levels are associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and mitochondrial dysfunction. While mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS formation occur in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, miRNAs have the potential to be diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets with a high degree of specificity, which is highly relevant in neurodegenerative pathologies.This paper gives a general summary of the current expression of miRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases, including miRNAs up-regulated or down-regulated in a variety of diseases, as well as the associated factors of influence. miRNAs are more like a double-edged sword, their multi-targeted role has brought light to many diseases for which there are currently no clear therapeutic options, but at the same time, their low specificity and possible side effects on the whole body should not be ignored, therefore However, at the same time, its low specificity and possible side effects on the whole body should not be ignored, therefore, more attention should be paid to the development of miRNA therapy in terms of its high efficiency, the use of carriers, and the clarification of side effects.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in neurodegenerative diseases, linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species. While promising as biomarkers and therapeutics, their specificity and side effects require careful consideration for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions.
- Altered miRNA levels correlate with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial dysfunction, common in neurodegenerative pathologies.
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS exhibit dysregulated miRNA expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on miRNA expression in neurodegenerative diseases.
- To explore the dual role of miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for miRNA-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA expression in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Analysis of miRNA dysregulation patterns and associated factors.
- Discussion of the potential and limitations of miRNA therapeutics.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are differentially expressed (up-regulated or down-regulated) across various neurodegenerative diseases.
- miRNA dysregulation is linked to cellular processes like apoptosis, cell growth, and signaling pathways.
- miRNAs show potential as specific biomarkers for early diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs represent a significant area of research for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
- The therapeutic application of miRNAs requires addressing challenges related to specificity and systemic side effects.
- Further research into efficient delivery systems and comprehensive safety profiles is crucial for advancing miRNA-based treatments.
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