MicroRNAs: Game Changers in the Regulation of α-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease

Figure 1

miR-7 playing a neuroprotective role in PD. miR-7 has multiple direct targets, including α-syn, Bax, Sir2, RelA, Nlrp3, VDAC1, and Keap1. By directly targeting the 3′-UTR of α-syn, miR-7 significantly reduces α-syn expression. miR-7 downregulates Nlrp3 through direct targeting and inhibiting α-syn upstream, resulting in decreased levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and alleviating neuroinflammation. In another pathway, miR-7 inhibits Bax and Sir2 expression, preventing apoptosis. Additionally, miR-7 downregulates RelA, which causes downstream upregulation of NF-κB and Glut3, resulting in the activation of gene expression in glycolysis and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, by directly targeting VDAC1, miR-7 activates mitochondrial function. miR-7 also reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. All of the above contribute to the neuroprotective roles of miR-7 in PD.