Regulatory Roles and Therapeutic Potential of miR-122-5p in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: Comprehensive Review

In the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic factors, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a role in genetics. Among the ncRNA family, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained significant attention for their involvement in post-transcriptional gene regulation, with profound implications for both normal and pathological processes including neurological diseases such as hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. A specific miRNA, called miR-122-5p, has gained attention in hypoxic-ischemic conditions, where it modulates critical pathways such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal survival. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the biogenesis, expression, and regulation of miR-122-5p, focusing on its role in hypoxic-ischemic conditions and its potential as a therapeutic target. We first studied the therapeutic strategies and potential clinical applications of miR-122-5p, our research showing it interacts with key transcription factors, such as HIF-1α and NF-κB, influencing cellular responses to low oxygen levels. Our findings revealed that miR-122-5p plays a vital role in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, with its abnormal levels strongly associated with increased brain damage and neuroinflammation, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target. Furthermore, miR-122-5p influences various biological processes in the brain, such as metabolism and blood vessel formation. The use of miR-122-5p inhibitor has been shown to increase autophagy, reduce apoptosis, and decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby protecting neurons and improving outcomes in hypoxic encephalopathy by targeting multiple genes related to these processes. Conversely, miR-122-5p mimics exacerbate oxidative stress and reduce autophagy. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of miR-122-5p inhibition in reducing brain injury and promoting recovery in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy through enhanced neuroprotective mechanisms and the suppression of harmful cellular processes. However, further experimental studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-122-5p and its related genes in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.