Logo image
Back
MicroRNA in neurodegenerative diseases
Abstract   Peer reviewed

MicroRNA in neurodegenerative diseases

Neha Patel, David Hoang, Nathan Miller and Aleister Saunders
Alzheimer's & dementia, v 4(4S Part 11), pp T359-T359
Jul 2008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2008.05.1059

Abstract

Background In neurodegenerative diseases neuronal dysfunction and /or neuronal death ultimately lead to cognitive or motor system disabilities and eventually death. Genetic studies have provided valuable information into the etiology and pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases from a molecular perspective, but significant work needs to be done before a full picture can be obtained. Recent evidence suggests the microRNAs (miRNAs) may be a contributing factor in neurodegeneration. miRNAs are small (∼22 nucleotide) non-coding RNAs that participate in mRNA translational regulation. miRNAs are now known to play an important role in many mammalian brain related biochemical pathways and neuroplasticity. Recently published studies have implicated miRNAs to be important in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and triplet repeat disorders. Bioinformatics have predicted many microRNA target sites in the 3'UTR of genes associated with neurodegeneration. However, not all of these miRNA target sites have been experimentally validated. We thereby propose an experimental approach to determine whether these genes are subject to translational regulation by the different predicted miRNAs known to target these genes . We will initially use a cell culture model for forward and reverse genetics. We will then functionally characterize the miRNAs and determine how gene regulation by these predicted miRNAs would affect the disease pathway. Methods We will initially use a cell culture model for forward and reverse genetics. We will then functionally characterize the miRNAs and determine how gene regulation by these predicted miRNAs would affect the disease pathway. Results No results yet. Conclusions Determine how microRNA regulate Gene expression.

Metrics

1 Record Views

Details

Logo image