The Therapeutic Potential of MicroRNA-21 in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020070 · Published: January 21, 2025

Simple Explanation

This review discusses the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in spinal cord injury (SCI). Research suggests miR-21 is a key regulator in SCI, affecting inflammation, cell death, and tissue repair. Understanding miR-21's function could lead to new treatments for SCI. The review synthesizes current findings on miR-21’s involvement in post-injury molecular events, highlighting its interactions with regulatory targets such as PTEN and PDCD4, as well as its broader effects on inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways. Evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies suggests that modulating miR-21 influences lesion size, cellular dynamics, and functional recovery, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
MiR-21 is upregulated in SCI and has protective effects on neurons through various mechanisms.
2
MiR-21 overexpression can reduce apoptosis and improve motor function after SCI by inhibiting pro-apoptotic proteins such as Casp-3, FasL, and PDCD4.
3
Silencing miR-21 promotes astrocyte polarization to the neuroprotective A2 phenotype, enhancing synapse formation and nerve growth during ISCI.

Research Summary

This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of miR-21 in the context of SCI, aiming to validate its neuroprotective role. The expression levels of miR-21 show variation in the different models of SCI, likely due to the different models used, the timing of detection after the injury, and the cell type involved in the experimental design. Studies have demonstrated an overexpression of miR-21 after SCI, often linked to protective effects, modulating signaling pathways involved in inflammation and cell survival.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

MiR-21 could be a potential therapeutic target for SCI, as its modulation may improve recovery and functional outcomes.

Diagnostic Biomarker

MiR-21 could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for SCI, aiding in assessing the severity of the injury.

Personalized Treatment

Tailoring miR-21 modulation based on the specific context, timing of intervention, and combination with other treatments may enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Study Limitations

1
The expression of miR-21 differs between SCI models, influenced by the model used and the time of detection post-lesion.
2
Clinical translation of miR-21-based therapies poses significant challenges, including optimizing dosages, delivery mechanisms, and long-term safety profiles.
3
Additional studies are required to clarify the precise regulatory networks involving miR-21, as well as the interaction with other miRNAs and signaling pathways.

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