MicroRNA Modulation in Ischemic Stroke

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs and directing their degradation or translational repression. In the context of ischaemic stroke, a sudden interruption of cerebral blood flow leads to neuronal energy failure, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and a robust neuroinflammatory response. Emerging evidence indicates that specific microRNAs are dynamically regulated in injured brain tissue and in the peripheral circulation, where they influence key processes such as apoptosis, inflammation, blood–brain barrier integrity and endogenous repair mechanisms. Modulation of microRNA expression in neurons, glia and infiltrating immune cells can either exacerbate or ameliorate tissue damage. For example, upregulation of pro-apoptotic microRNAs may amplify cell death pathways, whereas induction of neuroprotective microRNAs can promote neuronal survival, angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Circulating microRNAs also hold promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis, stratification of stroke subtypes and monitoring of therapeutic response. Overall, the interplay between microRNA networks and the multifaceted pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke offers fertile ground for novel diagnostic tools and microRNA-based interventions aimed at reducing primary injury and enhancing post-stroke recovery.

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MicroRNA Modulation in Ischemic Stroke publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna modulation in ischemic stroke across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): Small non-coding RNA molecules (18–22 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.

Ischaemic stroke: Cerebral infarction caused by obstruction of blood flow, leading to neuronal death and functional impairment.

Neuroinflammation: Immune response within the central nervous system characterised by activation of microglia and release of inflammatory mediators.

Biomarker: A measurable indicator of a physiological or pathological process, useful for diagnosis or monitoring of disease.

RNA-seq: High-throughput sequencing method for quantifying the transcriptome by sequencing complementary DNA derived from RNA.

References

1. Role and regulatory mechanism of microRNA mediated neuroinflammation in neuronal system diseases. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
2. A case–control comparison of acute-phase peripheral blood gene expression in participants diagnosed with minor ischaemic stroke or stroke mimics. Human Genomics (2023).
3. MicroRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke—A Comprehensive Review and Bioinformatic Analysis. Cells (2018).