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Abasi M, Kianmehr A, Variji A, Sangali P, Mahrooz A. microRNAs as molecular tools for brain health: Neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative disorders. Neuroscience 2025; 574:83-103. [PMID: 40210196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2025] [Accepted: 04/05/2025] [Indexed: 04/12/2025]
Abstract
As research on microRNAs (miRNAs) advances, it is becoming increasingly clear that these small molecules play crucial roles in the central nervous system (CNS). They are involved in various essential neuronal functions, with specific miRNAs preferentially expressed in different cell types within the nervous system. Notably, certain miRNAs are found at higher levels in the brain and spinal cord compared to other tissues, suggesting they may have specialized functions in the CNS. miRNAs associated with long-term neurodegenerative changes could serve as valuable tools for early treatment decisions and disease monitoring. The significance of miRNAs such as miR-320, miR-146 and miR-29 in the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders becomes evident, especially considering that many neurological and physical symptoms manifest only after substantial degeneration of specific neurons. Interestingly, serum miRNA levels such as miR-92 and miR-486 may correlate with various MRI parameters in multiple sclerosis. Targeting miRNAs using antisense strategies, such as antisense miR-146 and miR-485, may provide advantages over targeting mRNAs, as a single anti-miRNA can regulate multiple disease-related genes. In the future, anti-miRNA-based therapeutic approaches could be integrated into the clinical management of neurological diseases. Certain miRNAs, including miR-223, miR-106, miR-181, and miR-146, contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases and thus warrant greater attention. This knowledge could pave the way for the identification of new diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic biomarkers, and potentially guiding the development of RNA-based therapeutic strategies. This review highlights recent research on the roles of miRNAs in the nervous system, particularly their protective functions in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Abasi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Immunogenetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Anvarsadat Kianmehr
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Athena Variji
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Parisa Sangali
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdolkarim Mahrooz
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Xue Y, Zhang L, Chu L, Song Z, Zhang B, Su X, Liu W, Li X. JAK2/STAT3 Pathway Inhibition by AG490 Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis via Regulation of Th17 Cells and Autophagy. Neuroscience 2024; 552:65-75. [PMID: 38885894 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting the central nervous system, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal models have been extensively used to study it. T-helper 17 cells, which produce interleukin-17(IL-17), play crucial roles in MS pathogenesis, and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway has an essential function in their differentiation from naive CD4 + T cells. This study investigated the effects of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor AG490 on EAE in vivo and in vitro, as well as the underlying mechanisms. AG490 ameliorated EAE severity and attenuated its typical symptoms by downregulating proteins associated with the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, it decreased T-helper 17 cell differentiation from naive CD4 + T cells by inactivating STAT3. In addition, it conferred protective effects against EAE by restoring autophagy. These findings indicate the potential of AG490 as a candidate anti-MS therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Xue
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lifang Chu
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhe Song
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaohui Su
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wanhu Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Zhang T, Huo H, Zhang Y, Tao J, Yang J, Rong X, Yang Y. Th17 cells: A new target in kidney disease research. Int Rev Immunol 2024; 43:263-279. [PMID: 38439681 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2321901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Type 17 T helper (Th17) cells, which are a subtype of CD4+ T helper cells, secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and GM-CSF, which play crucial roles in immune defence and protection against fungal and extracellular pathogen invasion. However, dysfunction of Th17 cell immunity mediates inflammatory responses and exacerbates tissue damage. This pathological process initiated by Th17 cells is common in kidney diseases associated with renal injury, such as glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Therefore, targeting Th17 cells to treat kidney diseases has been a hot topic in recent years. This article reviews the mechanisms of Th17 cell-mediated inflammation and autoimmune responses in kidney diseases and discusses the related clinical drugs that modulate Th17 cell fate in kidney disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Huo
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzheng Yang
- Guangdong Nephrotic Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, The R&D Center of Drug for Renal Diseases, Consun Pharmaceutical Group, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianglu Rong
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Cipriano GL, Schepici G, Mazzon E, Anchesi I. Multiple Sclerosis: Roles of miRNA, lcnRNA, and circRNA and Their Implications in Cellular Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2255. [PMID: 38396932 PMCID: PMC10889752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative condition characterized by axonal damage and demyelination induced by autoreactive immune cells that occur in the Central Nervous System (CNS). The interaction between epigenetic changes and genetic factors can be widely involved in the onset, development, and progression of the disease. Although numerous efforts were made to discover new therapies able to prevent and improve the course of MS, definitive curative treatments have not been found yet. However, in recent years, it has been reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), acting as gene expression regulators, could be used as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers to diagnose and fight MS. In this review, we discussed the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as their expression level changes and signaling pathways that are related to preclinical and human MS studies. Hence, the investigation of ncRNAs could be important to provide additional information regarding MS pathogenesis as well as promote the discovery of new therapeutic strategies or biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Strada Statale 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.L.C.); (G.S.); (I.A.)
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Matsuzaka Y, Yashiro R. Unraveling the Immunopathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: The Dynamic Dance of Plasmablasts and Pathogenic T Cells. BIOLOGICS 2023; 3:232-252. [DOI: 10.3390/biologics3030013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by multiple lesions occurring temporally and spatially. Additionally, MS is a disease that predominates in the white population. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of patients, and it often occurs in young people, with an average age of onset of around 30 years old, but it can also occur in children and the elderly. It is more common in women than men, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:3. As the immunopathogenesis of MS, a group of B cells called plasmablasts controls encephalomyelitis via IL-10 production. These IL-10-producing B cells, called regulatory B cells, suppress inflammatory responses in experimental mouse models of autoimmune diseases including MS. Since it has been clarified that these regulatory B cells are plasmablasts, it is expected that the artificial control of plasmablast differentiation will lead to the development of new treatments for MS. Among CD8-positive T cells in the peripheral blood, the proportion of PD-1-positive cells is decreased in MS patients compared with healthy controls. The dysfunction of inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells is known to be the core of MS immunopathology and may be the cause of chronic persistent inflammation. The PD-1+ CD8+ T cells may also serve as indicators that reflect the condition of each patient in other immunological neurological diseases such as MS. Th17 cells also regulate the development of various autoimmune diseases, including MS. Thus, the restoration of weakened immune regulatory functions may be a true disease-modifying treatment. So far, steroids and immunosuppressants have been the mainstream for autoimmune diseases, but the problem is that this kills not only pathogenic T cells, but also lymphocytes, which are necessary for the body. From this understanding of the immune regulation of MS, we can expect the development of therapeutic strategies that target only pathogenic immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Matsuzaka
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Ryu Yashiro
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
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