Down Regulation of MIR-320 Gene Family Members in the Peripheral Blood of Schizophrenia Patients

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe disabling brain disease affecting about 1% of the world s population. Due to the dynamic nature of the peripheral blood transcriptome, understanding miRNAs gene expression signature in schizophrenia is a promising tool for discovery of disease-related biomarkers and biological pathways involved. This study aimed to identify specific miRNA signature characteristic for schizophrenia by using genome-wide miRNA expression profiling in patients with schizophrenia vs. healthy controls. In the current study, we examined miRNA gene expression changes applying cust m made LC Science miRNA expression profiling service, by using pooled whole blood-derived total RNA samples in order to evaluate possible miRNAs molecules associated with the disease. Here, we report experimental proof for a differentially down expressed miR-320a, miR-320b, miR-320d and miR-320c members. To elucidate the biological pathways implicated in schizophrenia, additionally we searched for the validated target genes of miR-320 gene family that might play a role in the regulation of schizophrenia susceptibility genes using miRWalk database. This analysis revealed experimentally validated targets with specific function in nervous system and development including RCOR1, AGO1, REST, and EZH2. Finally, our results suggested that differentially expressed miR-320 family members might be involved in schizophrenia molecular pathways.

Moderate prenatal stress may buffer the impact of Superstorm Sandy on placental genes: Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study

“…CDKL5 and MECP2 have been associated with Rett's Disorder [80][81][82]. ZNF507 has been implicated in schizophrenia [83].…”

Correlating serum micrornas and clinical parameters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

“…miR-320a, miR-320b, and miR-320c are proposed diagnostic markers for schizophrenia because their expression is downregulated in the peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia. 39 However, the molecular mechanism by which they might be contributing to schizophrenia remains to be investigated. An analysis of the common pathways regulated by miR-320a, miR-320b, miR-320c, miR-425-5p, let-7d-3p, and mir-139-5p points to their role in the Hippo signaling pathway.…”

“…Other members of the miR-320 family, miR-320b and miR-320c were also found to be downregulated in our samples. Interestingly, miR-320a, b and c are proposed diagnostic markers for schizophrenia as their expression is downregulated in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients 39 . However, the molecular mechanism by which they might be contributing to schizophrenia remains to be investigated.…”

Timing of prenatal exposure to trauma and altered placental expressions of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis genes and genes driving neurodevelopment

“…DYRK1A is involved in cell proliferation and has been implicated in Down's syndrome . ZNF507 modulates transcriptional regulation and reduced expression of ZNF507 has been related to schizophrenia . Stress induced down‐regulation of these genes may also have an impact on placental function, intrauterine homeostasis and foetal growth.…”