The role of microRNA-34 family in Alzheimer's disease: A potential molecular link between neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders

Maryam Bazrgar, Pariya Khodabakhsh, Mercedes Prudencio, Fatemeh Mohagheghi, Abolhassan Ahmadiani

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Growing evidence indicates that overexpression of the microRNA-34 (miR-34) family in the brain may play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis by targeting and downregulating genes associated with neuronal survival, synapse formation and plasticity, Aβ clearance, mitochondrial function, antioxidant defense system, and energy metabolism. Additionally, elevated levels of the miR-34 family in the liver and pancreas promote the development of metabolic syndromes (MetS), such as diabetes and obesity. Importantly, MetS represent a well-documented risk factor for sporadic AD. This review focuses on the recent findings regarding the role of the miR-34 family in the pathogenesis of AD and MetS, and proposes miR-34 as a potential molecular link between both disorders. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of miR-34 family in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of AD brains may lead to the discovery of a breakthrough treatment strategy for this disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number105805
JournalPharmacological Research
Volume172
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2021

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • MiR-34 family

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of microRNA-34 family in Alzheimer's disease: A potential molecular link between neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this