MiRNA-501-3p and MiRNA-502-3p: A promising biomarker panel for Alzheimer's disease

Davin Devara1, Bhupender Sharma1, Gunjan Goyal1

  • 1Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA.

Abstract

Insights

New Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, miR-501-3p and miR-502-3p, show elevated levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum exosomes. These microRNAs are promising for early AD detection and correlate with disease pathology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis lacks minimally invasive and early detection biomarkers.
  • Investigating novel microRNAs (miRNAs) for their diagnostic potential in AD is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the biomarker potential of miR-501-3p and miR-502-3p in various Alzheimer's disease (AD) sources.
  • To determine if miR-501-3p and miR-502-3p levels correlate with AD pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure miR-501-3p and miR-502-3p expression.
  • Expression levels were analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exosomes, serum exosomes, fibroblasts, and B-lymphocytes from AD patients and controls.
  • MiRNA expression was also assessed in cells transfected with APP and Tau plasmids and in different brain cell types.

Main Results:

  • MiR-501-3p and miR-502-3p were significantly upregulated in AD CSF exosomes and serum exosomes compared to controls.
  • Elevated miRNA levels correlated with amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) density in brain regions.
  • Both miRNAs were also found to be elevated in familial and sporadic AD B-lymphocytes and in response to amyloid-beta (Aβ) and Tau pathology.

Conclusions:

  • MiR-501-3p and miR-502-3p show promise as novel, less invasive biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • These miRNAs are elevated in easily accessible biofluids (CSF and serum) and correlate with key AD pathological hallmarks.
  • Neurons and astrocytes are identified as potential sources of these secreted miRNAs in AD.

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.7K
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.3K
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
29