NON-CODING RNAS AS POTENTIAL NEUROPROTECTANTS IN ISCHEMIC STROKE

Abstract

Neuronal maturation requires precise gene regulation to trigger pro-survival pathways for proper neuronal structure and function. However, these processes are dysregulated upon exposure to ischemic stroke causing loss of brain function and death. This study attempts to identify regulatory non-coding RNAs (long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs) that could serve to protect neurons from ischemic injury. Primary neuronal cultures with the highest purity were first established. Expression profiling of coding and non-coding RNAs in maturing neurons and neurons subjected to ischemic insult was then carried out to identify genes and their associated regulatory non-coding RNAs crucial to neuronal survival but dysregulated during ischemic injury. Of the genes identified, long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs regulating neuronal growth regulator 1 (Negr1) gene expression were characterized. Moreover, microRNAs regulating translation and splicing of another pro-apoptotic molecule, the truncated isoform of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB T1), were also investigated.