Protective Role of miR-3909 Against Propofol-Induced Neurotoxicity Through the Regulation of Polymerase I and

Xiangyu Lu1, Yuanzhu Li2, Haitao Lou3

  • 1Surgical Anesthesia Center, Affiliated HongQi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China.

Synapse (New York, N.Y.)
|February 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-3909 (miR-3909) protects against propofol (PPF)-induced neurotoxicity by downregulating polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF). This discovery offers a potential therapeutic strategy for PPF neurotoxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Propofol (PPF) is a widely used anesthetic with known neurotoxic effects.
  • The role of microRNA-3909 (miR-3909) in propofol-induced neurotoxicity is currently unknown.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying propofol neurotoxicity is crucial for developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and function of miR-3909 in propofol-induced neurotoxicity.
  • To elucidate the molecular targets and pathways involved in miR-3909's effect on neurotoxicity.
  • To explore miR-3909 as a potential therapeutic target for propofol neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • An in vitro model of propofol neurotoxicity using SH-SY5Y cells was established.
  • Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assays.
  • Gene expression was quantified using RT-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
  • Apoptosis, LDH release, and ROS levels were measured to evaluate neurotoxicity.

Main Results:

  • Propofol treatment reduced cell viability and downregulated miR-3909 expression.
  • Overexpression of miR-3909 significantly protected against propofol-induced neurotoxicity, reducing apoptosis, LDH release, and ROS levels.
  • miR-3909 was found to directly target and downregulate polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF).
  • PTRF was upregulated in propofol-treated cells, and its overexpression counteracted the neuroprotective effects of miR-3909.

Conclusions:

  • miR-3909 plays a protective role against propofol-induced neurotoxicity in vitro.
  • The neuroprotective mechanism of miR-3909 involves the downregulation of PTRF.
  • miR-3909 represents a promising therapeutic target for mitigating propofol-induced neurotoxicity.

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