MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Psychiatric Conditions: A Review of Current Research

Conclusion Neural miRNAs are responsive to environmental, synaptic, and pathological changes and are actively secreted by cells as exosomes from brain into blood. While serum miRs cannot cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), naturally occurring exosomes are capable of crossing the BBB. These exosomes bear cell-type specific surface markers. Using a neural-specific surface marker, neural-derived exosomes can be successfully isolated and can be used as diagnostic markers for many psychiatric conditions. For example, brain-derived exosomes are fused with neuron-specific RVG peptide (rabies virus glycoprotein, a peptide known to selectively target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in neurons) and are loaded with MiRNA by electroporation. These intravenously injected exosomes can cross the BBB and deliver MiRNA specifically to neurons, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in the brain, resulting in a specific gene knockdown. However, to realize the therapeutic potential of MiRNAs in greater depth, efficient, tissue-specific, and nonimmunogenic delivery of exosomes must be developed. RVG exosomes are capable of delivering MiRNAs specifically and safely after systemic administration and, therefore, represent a promising vehicle for gene therapies targeting psychiatric disorders. More research on the mechanisms of the development of neuropsychiatric diseases must be conducted to generate more successful therapeutic strategies. The exact nature and extent of dysregulation of microRNAs in...
Source: Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: biomarkers Bipolar Disorder Current Issue Depression Psychiatry Review Schizophrenia hippocampus messengerRNA (mRNA) MicroRNA (miR/miRNA) neurogenesis neuronal plasticity Source Type: research