BACE1-AS prevents BACE1 mRNA degradation through the sequestration of BACE1-targeting miRNAs

In this study, we reveal that BACE1-AS shares many miRNA-response elements with BACE1. The overexpression of BACE1-AS results in the repression of miRNAs that target BACE1, thus preventing BACE1 mRNA from being degraded. The knockdown of BACE1-AS increases the levels of these miRNAs, thereby reducing the expression of BACE1. Thus, BACE1-AS functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Our results also deepen the understanding of the regulation of BACE1 by BACE1-AS. In addition to increasing the stability of BACE1 mRNA through the formation of RNA duplexes, BACE1-AS can regulate BACE1 indirectly by acting as a ceRNA. Therefore, we propose that BACE1 functions as a ceRNA and forms a network through its associations with protein-coding genes, lncRNAs and miRNAs in the pathophysiology of AD.
Source: Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research