Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases

A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 20078

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430-6540, USA
Interests: aging; mitochondrial dynamics; oxidative stress; mitophagy; neurodegeneration
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue on “Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases” is to discuss the recent developments in microRNAs and non-coding RNAs in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs are a large family of conserved small (20–22 nucleotides length) non-coding RNAs. miRNAs play a central role in the post-translational regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs have been found to be important regulators of many diseases, including diabetes; stroke; cancer; and neurological diseases, such as Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Multiple Sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and triple-repeat diseases. In mammals, miRNAs are reported to control about 50% of all protein-coding genes. Currently, over 2000 miRNAs have been identified (see details at www.mirbase.org). One-third of these miRNAs are found in the coding part of genes, and the remaining are in the intronic regions. MiRNAs are important regulators of several biological processes, such as cell growth, apoptosis, cell proliferation, embryonic development, and tissue differentiation. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a large and diverse class of non-coding RNAs, with a length of more than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins. LncRNAs are largely classified into different subtypes based on the position and direction of transcription in relation to other genes. LncRNAs are dynamic and have a wide range of roles in cellular and developmental processes, and in regulating gene expression. LncRNAs are useful in understanding the complexity of genomic regulation. The articles from this Special Issue will provide new information and critically assess the current status of microRNAs and long non-coding microRNAs in neurological diseases. Major focus of this Special Topic will be on microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets and peripheral biomarkers in neurological diseases.

Prof. P. Hemachandra Reddy
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • microRNAs long non-coding RNAs gene regulation stroke Alzheimer’s
  • Parkinson’s
  • Huntington’s
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • triple-repeat diseases

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 13587 KiB  
Article
The microRNA let-7b-5p Is Negatively Associated with Inflammation and Disease Severity in Multiple Sclerosis
by Georgia Mandolesi, Francesca Romana Rizzo, Sara Balletta, Mario Stampanoni Bassi, Luana Gilio, Livia Guadalupi, Monica Nencini, Alessandro Moscatelli, Colleen Patricia Ryan, Valerio Licursi, Ettore Dolcetti, Alessandra Musella, Antonietta Gentile, Diego Fresegna, Silvia Bullitta, Silvia Caioli, Valentina Vanni, Krizia Sanna, Antonio Bruno, Fabio Buttari, Chiara Castelli, Carlo Presutti, Francesca De Santa, Annamaria Finardi, Roberto Furlan, Diego Centonze and Francesca De Vitoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cells 2021, 10(2), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10020330 - 5 Feb 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3297
Abstract
The identification of microRNAs in biological fluids for diagnosis and prognosis is receiving great attention in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) research but it is still in its infancy. In the present study, we observed in a large sample of MS patients [...] Read more.
The identification of microRNAs in biological fluids for diagnosis and prognosis is receiving great attention in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) research but it is still in its infancy. In the present study, we observed in a large sample of MS patients that let-7b-5p levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were highly correlated with a number of microRNAs implicated in MS, as well as with a variety of inflammation-related protein factors, showing specific expression patterns coherent with let-7b-5p-mediated regulation. Additionally, we found that the CSF let-7b-5p levels were significantly reduced in patients with the progressive MS compared to patients with relapsing-remitting MS and were negatively correlated with characteristic hallmark processes of the two phases of the disease. Indeed, in the non-progressive phase, let-7b-5p inversely associated with both central and peripheral inflammation; whereas, in progressive MS, the CSF levels of let-7b-5p negatively correlated with clinical disability at disease onset and after a follow-up period. Overall, our results uncovered, by the means of a multidisciplinary approach and multiple statistical analyses, a new possible pleiotropic action of let-7b-5p in MS, with potential utility as a biomarker of MS course. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases)
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17 pages, 5463 KiB  
Article
A Novel Long Non-Coding RNA-01488 Suppressed Metastasis and Tumorigenesis by Inducing miRNAs That Reduce Vimentin Expression and Ubiquitination of Cyclin E
by Syuan-Ling Lin, Yang-Hsiang Lin, Hsiang-Cheng Chi, Tzu-Kang Lin, Wei-Jan Chen, Chau-Ting Yeh and Kwang-Huei Lin
Cells 2020, 9(6), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061504 - 20 Jun 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2494
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) play important roles in human cancer development, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. However, their underlying mechanisms of action are largely unknown at present. In this study, we focused on a novel suppressor lincRNA that has the [...] Read more.
Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) play important roles in human cancer development, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. However, their underlying mechanisms of action are largely unknown at present. In this study, we focused on a novel suppressor lincRNA that has the potential to inhibit progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our experiments disclosed long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1488 (LINC01488) as a key negative regulator of HCC. Clinically, patients with high LINC01488 expression displayed greater survival rates and better prognosis. In vitro and in vivo functional assays showed that LINC01488 overexpression leads to significant suppression of cell proliferation and metastasis in HCC. Furthermore, LINC01488 bound to cyclin E to induce its ubiquitination and reduced expression of vimentin mediated by both miR-124-3p/miR-138-5p. Our results collectively indicate that LINC01488 acts as a tumor suppressor that inhibits metastasis and tumorigenesis in HCC via the miR-124-3p/miR-138-5p/vimentin axis. Furthermore, LINC01488 interacts with and degrades cyclin E, which contributes to its anti-tumorigenic activity. In view of these findings, we propose that enhancement of LINC01488 expression could be effective as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases)
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Review

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25 pages, 1240 KiB  
Review
microRNAs as Early Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Synaptic Perspective
by Dolores Siedlecki-Wullich, Alfredo J. Miñano-Molina and José Rodríguez-Álvarez
Cells 2021, 10(1), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10010113 - 9 Jan 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6227
Abstract
Pathogenic processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affect synaptic function from initial asymptomatic stages, long time before the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Therefore, reliable biomarkers enabling early AD diagnosis and prognosis are needed to maximize the time window for therapeutic interventions. MicroRNAs [...] Read more.
Pathogenic processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affect synaptic function from initial asymptomatic stages, long time before the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Therefore, reliable biomarkers enabling early AD diagnosis and prognosis are needed to maximize the time window for therapeutic interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as promising cost-effective and non-invasive biomarkers for AD, since they can be readily detected in different biofluids, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs regulate synaptic homeostasis and plasticity processes, suggesting that they may be involved in early synaptic dysfunction during AD. Here, we review the current literature supporting a role of miRNAs during early synaptic deficits in AD, including recent studies evaluating their potential as AD biomarkers. Besides targeting genes related to Aβ and tau metabolism, several miRNAs also regulate synaptic-related proteins and transcription factors implicated in early synaptic deficits during AD. Furthermore, individual miRNAs and molecular signatures have been found to distinguish between prodromal AD and healthy controls. Overall, these studies highlight the relevance of considering synaptic-related miRNAs as potential biomarkers of early AD stages. However, further validation studies in large cohorts, including longitudinal studies, as well as implementation of standardized protocols, are needed to establish miRNA-based biomarkers as reliable diagnostic and prognostic tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases)
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11 pages, 492 KiB  
Review
The Functional Role of microRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Tauopathy
by Domenico Praticò
Cells 2020, 9(10), 2262; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102262 - 9 Oct 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders which include Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease, corticobasal degeneration, and progressive supranuclear palsy among others. Pathologically, they are characterized by the accumulation of highly phosphorylated and aggregated tau protein in different brain regions. Currently, the mechanisms responsible for their pathogenesis [...] Read more.
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders which include Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease, corticobasal degeneration, and progressive supranuclear palsy among others. Pathologically, they are characterized by the accumulation of highly phosphorylated and aggregated tau protein in different brain regions. Currently, the mechanisms responsible for their pathogenesis are not known, and for this reason, there is no cure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abundantly present in the central nervous system where they act as master regulators of pathways considered important for tau post-translational modifications, metabolism, and clearance. Although in recent years, several miRNAs have been reported to be altered in tauopathy, we still do not know whether these changes contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, or are secondary events following the development of tau neuropathology. Additionally, since miRNAs are relatively stable in biological fluids and their measurement is easy and non-invasive, these small molecules hold the potential to function as biomarkers for tauopathy. Herein, we showcase recent findings on the biological link between miRNAs and the pathogenesis of tauopathy, and present emerging evidence supporting their role as biomarkers and targets for novel therapies against them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases)
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19 pages, 1260 KiB  
Review
Mitochondrial MicroRNAs in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Albin John, Aaron Kubosumi and P. Hemachandra Reddy
Cells 2020, 9(6), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061345 - 28 May 2020
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 4993
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of several biological processes, such as cell growth, cell proliferation, embryonic development, tissue differentiation, and apoptosis. Currently, over 2000 mammalian miRNAs have been reported to regulate these biological processes. A subset of microRNAs was found to be localized [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of several biological processes, such as cell growth, cell proliferation, embryonic development, tissue differentiation, and apoptosis. Currently, over 2000 mammalian miRNAs have been reported to regulate these biological processes. A subset of microRNAs was found to be localized to human mitochondria (mitomiRs). Through years of research, over 400 mitomiRs have been shown to modulate the translational activity of the mitochondrial genome. While miRNAs have been studied for years, the function of mitomiRs and their role in neurodegenerative pathologies is not known. The purpose of our article is to highlight recent findings that relate mitomiRs to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. We also discuss the involvement of mitomiRs in regulating the mitochondrial genome in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Coding RNAs and Neurological Diseases)
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