miRNAs in epilepsy: A review from molecular signatures to therapeutic intervention

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Apr;263(Pt 2):130468. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130468. Epub 2024 Feb 27.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a medical disorder marked by sporadic seizures accompanied by alterations in consciousness. The molecular mechanisms responsible for epilepsy and the factors contributing to alterations in neuronal structure compromised apoptotic responses in neurons, and disturbances in regeneration pathways in glial cells remain unidentified. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA that consist of a single strand. They typically contain 21 to 23 nucleotides. miRNAs participate in the process of RNA silencing and the regulation of gene expression after transcription by selectively binding to mRNA molecules that possess complementary sequences. The disruption of miRNA regulation has been associated with the development of epilepsy, and manipulating a single miRNA can impact various cellular processes, hence serving as a potent intervention approach. Despite existing obstacles in the delivery and safety of miRNA-based treatments, researchers are actively investigating the potential of miRNAs to operate as regulators of brain activity and as targets for treating and preventing epilepsy. Hence, the utilization of miRNA-based therapeutic intervention shows potential for future epilepsy management. The objective of our present investigation was to ascertain the involvement of miRNAs in the causation and advancement of epilepsy. Moreover, they have undergone scrutiny for their potential utilization in therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Therapeutic intervention; miRNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epilepsy* / genetics
  • Epilepsy* / metabolism
  • Epilepsy* / therapy
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs* / therapeutic use
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger