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Cheng J, Ho WK, Wu BT, Liu HP, Lin WY. miRNA profiling as a complementary diagnostic tool for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13805. [PMID: 37612427 PMCID: PMC10447559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40879-y] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most prevalent motor neuron disease characterized by its complex genetic structure, lacks a single diagnostic test capable of providing a conclusive diagnosis. In order to demonstrate the potential for genetic diagnosis and shed light on the pathogenic role of miRNAs in ALS, we developed an ALS diagnostic rule by training the model using 80% of a miRNA profiling dataset consisting of 253 ALS samples and 103 control samples. Subsequently, we validated the diagnostic rule using the remaining 20% of unseen samples. The diagnostic rule we developed includes miR-205-5p, miR-206, miR-376a-5p, miR-412-5p, miR-3927-3p, miR-4701-3p, miR-6763-5p, and miR-6801-3p. Remarkably, the rule achieved an 82% true positive rate and a 73% true negative rate when predicting the unseen samples. Furthermore, the identified miRNAs target 21 genes in the PI3K-Akt pathway and 27 genes in the ALS pathway, including notable genes such as BCL2, NEFH, and OPTN. We propose that miRNA profiling may serve as a complementary diagnostic tool to supplement the clinical presentation and aid in the early recognition of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Kuang Ho
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Tsang Wu
- Department of Senior Citizen Service Management, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung City, 40343, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ping Liu
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Yong Lin
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan.
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Laneve P, Tollis P, Caffarelli E. RNA Deregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Noncoding Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10285. [PMID: 34638636 PMCID: PMC8508793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA metabolism is central to cellular physiopathology. Almost all the molecular pathways underpinning biological processes are affected by the events governing the RNA life cycle, ranging from transcription to degradation. The deregulation of these processes contributes to the onset and progression of human diseases. In recent decades, considerable efforts have been devoted to the characterization of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and to the study of their role in the homeostasis of the nervous system (NS), where they are highly enriched. Acting as major regulators of gene expression, ncRNAs orchestrate all the steps of the differentiation programs, participate in the mechanisms underlying neural functions, and are crucially implicated in the development of neuronal pathologies, among which are neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to explore the link between ncRNA dysregulation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most frequent motoneuron (MN) disorder in adults. Notably, defective RNA metabolism is known to be largely associated with this pathology, which is often regarded as an RNA disease. We also discuss the potential role that these transcripts may play as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tollis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Caffarelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Park S, Kim D, Song J, Joo JWJ. An Integrative Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for the Identification of Potential Genetic Markers and Drug Candidates. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063216. [PMID: 33809961 PMCID: PMC8004271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative neuromuscular disease. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified many variants significantly associated with ALS, it is still difficult to characterize the underlying biological mechanisms inducing ALS. In this study, we performed a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) to identify disease-specific genes in ALS. Using the largest ALS GWAS summary statistic (n = 80,610), we identified seven novel genes using 19 tissue reference panels. We conducted a conditional analysis to verify the genes’ independence and to confirm that they are driven by genetically regulated expressions. Furthermore, we performed a TWAS-based enrichment analysis to highlight the association of important biological pathways, one in each of the four tissue reference panels. Finally, utilizing a connectivity map, a database of human cell expression profiles cultured with bioactive small molecules, we discovered functional associations between genes and drugs to identify 15 bioactive small molecules as potential drug candidates for ALS. We believe that, by integrating the largest ALS GWAS summary statistic with gene expression to identify new risk loci and causal genes, our study provides strong candidates for molecular basis experiments in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmin Park
- Department of Computer Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea;
| | - Daeun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea; (D.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Jaeseung Song
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea; (D.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Jong Wha J. Joo
- Department of Computer Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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Gerasymchuk D, Hubiernatorova A, Domanskyi A. MicroRNAs Regulating Cytoskeleton Dynamics, Endocytosis, and Cell Motility-A Link Between Neurodegeneration and Cancer? Front Neurol 2020; 11:549006. [PMID: 33240194 PMCID: PMC7680873 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.549006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is one of the most mobile and complex cell structures. It is involved in cellular transport, cell division, cell shape formation and adaptation in response to extra- and intracellular stimuli, endo- and exocytosis, migration, and invasion. These processes are crucial for normal cellular physiology and are affected in several pathological processes, including neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Some proteins, participating in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), play an important role in actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and formation of invadopodia in cancer cells and are also deregulated in neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is still limited information about the factors contributing to the regulation of their expression. MicroRNAs are potent negative regulators of gene expression mediating crosstalk between different cellular pathways in cellular homeostasis and stress responses. These molecules regulate numerous genes involved in neuronal differentiation, plasticity, and degeneration. Growing evidence suggests the role of microRNAs in the regulation of endocytosis, cell motility, and invasiveness. By modulating the levels of such microRNAs, it may be possible to interfere with CME or other processes to normalize their function. In malignancy, the role of microRNAs is undoubtful, and therefore changing their levels can attenuate the carcinogenic process. Here we review the current advances in our understanding of microRNAs regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics, CME and cell motility with a special focus on neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. We investigate whether current literature provides an evidence that microRNA-mediated regulation of essential cellular processes, such as CME and cell motility, is conserved in neurons, and cancer cells. We argue that more research effort should be addressed to study the neuron-specific functions on microRNAs. Disease-associated microRNAs affecting essential cellular processes deserve special attention both from the view of fundamental science and as future neurorestorative or anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Gerasymchuk
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Hawley ZCE, Campos-Melo D, Strong MJ. Evidence of A Negative Feedback Network Between TDP-43 and miRNAs Dependent on TDP-43 Nuclear Localization. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:166695. [PMID: 33137311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA-binding protein that is integral to RNA processing. Among these functions is a critical role in microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis through interactions with the DROSHA and DICER complexes. It has been previously shown that there is a general reduction in miRNA levels within the spinal cord and spinal motor neurons of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. In addition, the most common pathological feature of ALS is re-distribution of TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it forms cytoplasmic inclusions. Among miRNAs dysregulated in ALS, several are known to regulate TDP-43 expression. In this study, we demonstrate that TDP-43 is in a regulatory negative feedback network with miR-181c-5p and miR-27b-3p that is dependent on its nuclear localization within HEK293T cells. Further, we show that cellular stress which induces a redistribution of TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm correlates with the reduced production of miR-27b-3p and miR-181c-5p. This suggests that reduced nuclear TDP-43 disrupts a negative feedback network between itself and miRNAs. These findings provide a further understanding of altered miRNA biogenesis as a key pathogenic process in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary C E Hawley
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Neuroscience Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Neuroscience Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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6
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Wang L, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: from pathogenetic involvement to diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic agent development. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:3569-3577. [PMID: 33006054 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding small single-stranded RNAs that are 21-25 nucleotides (NTs) in length and participate in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Studies have shown that miRNA dysfunction plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of a variety of nervous system diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with an unclear etiology and is characterized by the selective invasion of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can range from mild spasms in the limbs or medulla oblongata muscles to paralysis in almost all skeletal muscles. The role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of ALS has become of greater importance to those studying ALS. In this review, we reviewed experimentally confirmed miRNAs shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and that are used as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic ALS agents. At present, there are at least 20-30 genes clearly related to the pathogenesis of ALS. Multiple miRNAs have been reported in different pathogenic gene models. MiRNAs could be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of ALS; the differential expression of some miRNAs could be related to ALS prognosis. As therapeutic agents, miRNAs are still in the exploratory stage. Although encouraging results have been achieved using animal models, much research is still needed before clinical trials can ensue. However, with additional miRNA studies in ALS patients and animal models, the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and therapy of ALS should be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, People's Republic of China.
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Palomo V, Tosat-Bitrian C, Nozal V, Nagaraj S, Martin-Requero A, Martinez A. TDP-43: A Key Therapeutic Target beyond Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1183-1196. [PMID: 30785719 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of TDP-43 in the cytoplasm of diseased neurons is the pathological hallmark of frontotemporal dementia-TDP (FTLD-TDP) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two diseases that lack efficacious medicine to prevent or to stop disease progression. The discovery of mutations in the TARDBP gene (encoding the nuclear protein known as TDP-43) in both FTLD and ALS patients provided evidence for a link between TDP-43 alterations and neurodegeneration. Our understanding of TDP-43 function has advanced profoundly in the past several years; however, its complete role and the molecular mechanisms that lead to disease are not fully understood. Here we summarize the recent studies of this protein, its relation to neurodegenerative diseases, and the therapeutic strategies for restoring its homeostasis with small molecules. Finally, we briefly discuss the available cellular and animal models that help to shed light on TDP-43 pathology and could serve as tools for the discovery of pharmacological agents for the treatment of TDP-43-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valle Palomo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Vanesa Nozal
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Siranjeevi Nagaraj
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angeles Martin-Requero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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MiR-105 and miR-9 regulate the mRNA stability of neuronal intermediate filaments. Implications for the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Brain Res 2019; 1706:93-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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