MicroRNAs Modulate the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease: An In Silico Analysis in the Human Brain

Overview

Journal Genes (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2020 Aug 28

PMID 32846925

Citations 7

Authors

Agnese Gugliandolo

Luigi Chiricosta

Virginia Boccardi

Patrizia Mecocci

Placido Bramanti

Emanuela Mazzon

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes, causing a decrease in protein translation from the mRNA. Different miRNAs are found in the nervous system, where they are involved in its physiological functions, but altered miRNAs expression was also reported in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by memory loss, cognitive function abnormalities, and various neuropsychiatric disturbances. AD hallmarks are amyloid β (Aβ) aggregates, called senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. In this study, we performed an analysis to evaluate altered patterns of miRNAs expression in the brains of AD patients compared to healthy subjects. We found 12 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in AD compared to healthy individuals. These miRNAs have target genes involved in AD pathogenesis. In particular, some miRNAs influence Aβ production, having as target secretase and amyloid precursor protein (APP). Some miRNAs were reported to be involved in nervous system functions, and their alteration can cause neuronal dysfunction.

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