Neuronal Activity Regulates Hippocampal miRNA Expression
2011

Neuronal Activity and miRNA Expression in the Hippocampus

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Eacker Stephen M., Keuss Matthew J., Berezikov Eugene, Dawson Valina L., Dawson Ted M.

Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

How does neuronal activity regulate miRNA expression in the hippocampus?

Conclusion

Neuronal activity leads to a biphasic pattern of miRNA expression, with initial induction followed by a decline.

Supporting Evidence

  • 15 novel miRNAs were identified in the hippocampus.
  • Most miRNAs showed a decline in expression following neuronal activation.
  • Electroconvulsive shock was used to model neuronal activity.

Takeaway

When neurons are active, they change the levels of tiny molecules called miRNAs, which help control how proteins are made in the brain.

Methodology

Deep sequencing and Taqman low-density array were used to analyze miRNA expression in the hippocampus of mice treated with electroconvulsive shock.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in library construction and sequencing processes could influence results.

Limitations

The study faced a 'batch effect' in deep sequencing data, which may affect the accuracy of expression level assessments.

Participant Demographics

Adult male C57BL/6 mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025068

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