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Role of Retroelements in Frontotemporal Dementia Development
1Department of Medical Genetics and Fundamental Medicine, Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) involves proteinopathies with TDP-43, tau, and FUS proteins that normally inhibit transposable elements. Their dysfunction activates these elements, creating a feedback loop that drives FTD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is linked to proteinopathies involving TDP-43, tau, and FUS proteins.
- These proteins possess antiviral properties and inhibit transposable elements, which may be activated by viruses or aging.
- FTD is associated with SNPs in regulatory regions containing transposable element genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of transposable elements and genetic predisposition in FTD pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of microRNAs derived from transposable elements as a therapeutic strategy for FTD.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on FTD, proteinopathies, transposable elements, and genetic associations.
- Analysis of the proposed feedback loop involving TDP-43, tau, FUS, and retroelement activation.
- Identification of potential therapeutic microRNAs.
Main Results:
- Genetic predisposition may affect the interaction between retroelements and TDP-43, tau, and FUS proteins.
- Protein aggregate formation leads to loss of inhibition of retroelements, causing their activation.
- A negative feedback loop is established, enhancing protein expression and aggregate accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic inhibition of activated retroelements using transposable element-derived microRNAs is a potential FTD treatment.
- Thirteen specific microRNAs were identified as potentially therapeutic for FTD.
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