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The Role of Estrogen in Brain MicroRNAs Regulation
Peyvand Bahramiazar1, Naseh Abdollahzade2, Bakhtyar Tartibian3
1Department of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|April 7, 2025
Summary
Estrogen protects the brain by influencing microRNAs (miRNAs), small molecules that regulate gene expression. This neuroprotection may explain why women experience fewer cognitive impairments than men.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Estrogen exhibits neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system.
- Cognitive impairments are less common in women of reproductive age compared to men.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, impacting neuronal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of estrogen-sensitive miRNAs in brain function and disorders.
- To highlight estrogen's protective mechanisms in the central nervous system.
- To explore the link between estrogen, miRNAs, and cognitive health.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Analysis of experimental data on gender differences in cognitive impairment.
- Examination of estrogen's mechanisms in brain function.
Main Results:
- Estrogen modulates gene expression via specific receptors.
- miRNAs regulate a significant portion of mammalian protein-coding genes.
- Estrogen-sensitive miRNAs are implicated in synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and brain disorders.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between estrogen and miRNAs provides insights into cognitive health and disease mechanisms.
- Understanding these molecular pathways may lead to new therapies for brain disorders.
- Targeting estrogen-miRNA pathways could be beneficial for age-related cognitive decline and hormonal changes.
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