Let-7a-5p targets MAP3K1 to regulate the MAPK signaling pathway in a depression model

Depression is a complex and multifactorial psychiatric disorder involving the dysregulation of multiple biological processes, including inflammation, apoptosis, and synaptic plasticity. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of depression by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this study, bioinformatics analysis identified let-7a-5p as a hub miRNA associated with depression. Target prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that let-7a-5p directly targets MAP3K1, an upstream kinase of the MAPK signaling pathway. Overexpression of let-7a-5p significantly activated the MAPK cascade, leading to downstream alterations in inflammatory cytokine expression, neuronal apoptosis, and synaptic plasticity-related signaling. Western blot analysis further verified changes in MAP3K1, p-ERK/ERK, and p-p38/p38, as well as inflammation-related proteins (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and apoptosis-associated proteins (Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax). In addition, synaptic plasticity markers including BDNF, NR2A, and PSD95 were also affected, indicating that MAPK activation may regulate neuronal adaptability and connectivity. These findings suggest that let-7a-5p regulates depression-like cellular processes by modulating the MAP3K1-MAPK signaling axis, thereby influencing inflammation, apoptosis, and synaptic plasticity. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of depression.