Blood-derived microRNAs are related to cognitive domains in the general population

Authors

Melas K, Talevi V, Imtiaz MA, Etteldorf R, Estrada S, Krüger DM, Pena-Centeno T, Aziz NA, Fischer A, Breteler MMB

Journal

Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Citation

Alzheimers Dement. 2024 Aug 29.

Abstract

Introduction: Blood-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential candidates for detecting and preventing subclinical cognitive dysfunction. However, replication of previous findings and identification of novel miRNAs associated with cognitive domains, including their relation to brain structure and the pathways they regulate, are still lacking.
Methods: We examined blood-derived miRNAs and miRNA co-expression clusters in relation to cognitive domains, structural magnetic resonance imaging measures, target gene expression, and genetic variants in 2869 participants of a population-based cohort.
Results: Five previously identified and 14 novel miRNAs were associated with cognitive domains. Eleven of these were also associated with cortical thickness and two with hippocampal volume. Multi-omics analysis showed that certain identified miRNAs were genetically influenced and regulated genes in pathways like neurogenesis and synapse assembly.
Discussion: We identified miRNAs associated with cognitive domains, brain regions, and neuronal processes affected by aging and neurodegeneration, making them promising candidate blood-based biomarkers or therapeutic targets of subclinical cognitive dysfunction.
Highlights: We investigated the association of blood-derived microRNAs with cognitive domains. Five previously identified and 14 novel microRNAs were associated with cognition. Eleven cognition-related microRNAs were also associated with cortical thickness. Identified microRNAs were linked to genes associated with neuronal functions. Results provide putative biomarkers or therapeutic targets of cognitive aging.

DOI

10.1002/alz.14197
 
Pubmed Link