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Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
Published on: February 6, 2019
Altered microRNA expression profiles in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of individuals with alcohol use disorder: a
Burcu Çaykara Peran1, Hani Alsaadoni2, Mehmet Zahit Çıracı3
1Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Sahane (Hamidiye), Kulliyesi Selimiye Mah. Tıbbiye Cad. No:38, 34668, Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey. burcu.caykaraperan@sbu.edu.tr.
Background:
MicroRNAs are critical regulators of neuronal plasticity, synaptic signaling, and stress response, and their dysregulation has been implicated in substance use disorders. However, postmortem evidence on their involvement in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) remains limited. We aimed to investigate the expression patterns of miR-132, miR-133b, miR-140, miR-181a, miR-190, and miR-212 in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with AUD.
Methods:
Prefrontal cortex tissues were obtained postmortem from 30 individuals with documented AUD and 30 age- and sex-matched non-alcohol users. Total RNA was isolated, reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Relative expression levels were calculated using the 2-ΔΔCT method, with U6 RNA as endogenous control.
Results:
Individuals with AUD exhibited increased expression of miR-133b (fold change: 4.4, p = 0.035), and miR-212 (fold change: 1.57, p = 0.006), while miR-132 (fold change: 3, p < 0.001) and miR-190 (fold change: 2.63, p = 0.003) were markedly downregulated compared with controls.
Conclusions:
The differential expression of these miRNAs suggests their involvement in neuronal signaling pathways underlying AUD, particularly those linked to synaptic plasticity and stress-related transcriptional regulation.
Insights
MicroRNA expression changes in the brain are linked to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) were found to be upregulated or downregulated in individuals with AUD, suggesting their role in AUD-related neuronal pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs regulate neuronal plasticity, synaptic signaling, and stress response.
- Dysregulation of microRNAs is implicated in substance use disorders.
- Limited postmortem evidence exists for microRNA involvement in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the expression patterns of specific microRNAs (miR-132, miR-133b, miR-140, miR-181a, miR-190, miR-212) in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with AUD.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem prefrontal cortex tissues from 30 AUD individuals and 30 controls were analyzed.
- Total RNA was isolated and reverse-transcribed into cDNA.
- Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine relative microRNA expression levels.
Main Results:
- miR-133b and miR-212 showed increased expression in AUD individuals (p < 0.05).
- miR-132 and miR-190 were significantly downregulated in AUD individuals (p < 0.001).
- miR-140 and miR-181a expression levels were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of specific microRNAs suggests their involvement in AUD.
- These findings highlight the role of microRNAs in neuronal signaling pathways relevant to AUD.
- The results point to a role in synaptic plasticity and stress-related transcriptional regulation in AUD.
