Nowadays, many researchers are investigating the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in stroke. Cerebral infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury are currently the leading causes of death and disability in cardiovascular disease. When a stroke occurs, nerve cells die and the brain’s innate immune response is activated. This triggers a “double-edged sword” effect: while some inflammation helps at first, it often leads to a neurotoxic cascade that destroys the blood-brain barrier and damages neurons further.
The research was conducted by reviewing several types of ncRNAs, including lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs. First, the study analyzed how these molecules act as epigenetic regulators. For example, some lncRNAs like SNHG12 and MALAT1 can either protect brain tissue or aggravate injury depending on the specific pathway they trigger. The study highlights that these molecules often act as “sponges” for miRNAs, which then affects downstream proteins and inflammatory signaling.
Moreover, the research looked at circRNAs through extensive sequencing. Thousands of circRNAs change expression after a stroke, showing potential as stable biomarkers for diagnosis. Specifically, certain circRNAs were linked to metabolic pathways and immune responses. The paper also introduces CRISPR-Display as a groundbreaking tool that might allow scientists to manipulate these RNAs to treat patients in the future.
Although this review shows that the potential for ncRNA-based therapy is groundbreaking, there are still limitations, as most findings currently rely on animal models (like mice and rats) or specific cell lines, requiring more human clinical data to ensure safety and effectiveness.
In conclusion, utilizing ncRNAs in the medical field for stroke is becoming inevitable. These molecules offer a new way to diagnose injury early and judge a patient’s prognosis. As these techniques become ubiquitous, they are expected to significantly improve how we treat cerebral infarction and manage the complex neuroimmune inflammatory response.
출처: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585453/
