Neuroprotective effects of microRNA 124 in Parkinson's disease mice

• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104588
• Publication Date: 2021-11-28T14:49:25Z
• Authors: Fubo Zhang; Yufang Yao; Na Miao; Nan Wang; Xin Xu; Chaoping Yang
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Dopaminergic Neurons; Parkinson Disease; 3. Good health; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; MicroRNAs; 03 medical and health sciences; Neuroprotective Agents; Animals; Humans; Wnt Signaling Pathway

Recent studies have revealed the close correlation between microRNAs (miRs) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of miR-124 in a PD mouse model.MiR-124 expression in human plasma was detected by qRT-PCR. PD mouse model was established by stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopmine. Lentivirus were used to deliver and overexpress miR-124 and Axin1 into the substantia nigra. Multiple behavioral tests and oxidative stress assays were carried out to access the protective effect of miR-124 against PD. Western blot and luciferase assay were conducted to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms.MiR-124 expression was decreased in PD patients. Overexpression of miR-124 in PD mice could improve motor defects, ameliorate dopaminergic neurons loss, and reduce oxidative stress. Mechanistically, miR-124 targeted Axin1 directly, and then attenuated PD progression via suppressing Axin1 and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathways in PD mice.MiR-124 is an important neuroprotective factor, which suppresses Axin1 and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in PD mice.