Mitochondria-associated microRNAs in rat hippocampus following traumatic brain injury.

Mitochondria-associated microRNAs in rat hippocampus following traumatic brain injury.
Exp Neurol. 2015 Jan 3;
Authors: Wang W, Visavadiya NP, Pandya JD, Nelson PT, Sullivan PG, Springer JE
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability. However, the molecular events contributing to the pathogenesis are not well understood. Mitochondria serve as the powerhouse of cells, respond to cellular demands and stressors, and play an essential role in cell signaling, differentiation, and survival. There is clear evidence of compromised mitochondrial function following TBI, however, the underlying mechanisms and consequences are not clear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, and function as important mediators of neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegeneration. Several miRNAs show altered expression following TBI, however, the relevance of mitochondria in these pathways is unknown. Here, we present evidence supporting the association of miRNA with hippocampal mitochondria, as well as changes in mitochondria-associated miRNA expression following a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury in rats. Specifically, we found that the miRNA processing proteins Argonaute (AGO) and Dicer are present in mitochondria fractions from uninjured rat hippocampus, and immunoprecipitation of AGO associated miRNA from mitochondria suggests the pr...

Source: Experimental Neurology - January 3, 2015 Category: Neurology Authors: Wang W, Visavadiya NP, Pandya JD, Nelson PT, Sullivan PG, Springer JE Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research