miR-7b-3p Exerts a Dual Role After Spinal Cord Injury, by Supporting Plasticity and Neuroprotection at Cortical Level

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions worldwide, and there's currently no effective treatment. This study investigates how small RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) change in the brain's cortex after SCI, focusing on corticospinal motor neurons, which control movement. Researchers found that one specific miRNA, miR-7b-3p, increases significantly after SCI. They explored its function in cortical neurons, observing that it helps maintain neurons in a more immature, potentially adaptable state and protects them from cell death. The study suggests miR-7b-3p has a dual role: promoting neuronal plasticity and providing neuroprotection. Increasing miR-7b-3p levels after SCI could reactivate developmental programs in adult neurons, supporting the survival of damaged neurons.

• 1
  miR-7b-3p is significantly upregulated in the cortex following SCI in both young and adult mice.
• 2
  Overexpression of miR-7b-3p in vitro maintains neurons in a more immature and plastic developmental phase.
• 3
  miR-7b-3p reduces apoptosis in primary cortical neurons, suggesting a neuroprotective effect.