Neuroprotection and Mechanism of Gas-miR36-5p from <i>Gastrodia elata</i> in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model by Regulating Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently the most common neurodegenerative disease. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a pivotal factor in AD pathogenesis. Recent research has demonstrated that plant miRNAs exert cross-kingdom regulation on the target genes in animals. <i>Gastrodia elata<...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhongteng Lu, Jianyuan Fu, Guang Wu, Zhecheng Yang, Xiaoqi Wu, Dan Wang, Zhengying You, Zuoming Nie, Qing Sheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/24/17295
Description
Summary:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently the most common neurodegenerative disease. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a pivotal factor in AD pathogenesis. Recent research has demonstrated that plant miRNAs exert cross-kingdom regulation on the target genes in animals. <i>Gastrodia elata</i> (<i>G. elata</i>) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine that has significant pharmacological activity against diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Our previous studies have indicated that <i>G. elata</i>-specific miRNA plays a cross-kingdom regulatory role for the NF-<i>κ</i>B signaling pathway in mice. In this study, further bioinformatics analysis suggested that Gas-miR36-5p targets GSK-3β. Through western blot, RT-qPCR, and assessments of T-AOC, SOD, and MDA levels, Gas-miR36-5p demonstrated its neuroprotective effects in an AD cell model. Furthermore, Gas-miR36-5p was detected in the murine brain tissues. The results of the Morris water maze test and western blot analysis provided positive evidence for reversing the learning deficits and hyperphosphorylation of Tau in AD mice, elucidating significant neuroprotective effects in an AD model following <i>G. elata</i> RNA administration. Our research emphasizes Gas-miR36-5p as a novel <i>G. elata</i>-specific miRNA with neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer’s disease by targeting GSK-3β. Consequently, our findings provide valuable insights into the cross-kingdom regulatory mechanisms underlying <i>G. elata</i>-specific miRNA, presenting a novel perspective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067