Identification of target genes and pathways regulated by miRNA-132, miRNA-182, and miRNA-124 in depression: a bioinformatics analysis

• Published in: Khyber Medical University journal Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 30 - 7
• Main Authors: Shamaila Wadud, Sadia Fatima, Roshan Ali, Rubina Nazli, Zahid Khan, Muhammad Irfan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Khyber Medical University 01.03.2024
• Subjects: depression, mir-132, mir-182, mir-124, mirabel software, target genes, prkcb, pla2g4a, prkcg, gnaz, gnao1, gucy1b3, gnai2, plcb3, ppp2r1a, plcb2, gna11, and gucy1a2
• ISSN: 2305-2643; 2305-2651
• DOI: 10.35845/kmuj.2024.23517

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations of miRNA-132, miRNA-182, and miRNA-124 with long-term depression and elucidate their target genes and translational implications utilizing miRabel, a bioinformatics tool. METHODS: This study is a part of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Psychiatry OPD of a teaching hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from February-2021 till December-2021. It’s a computational study using miRabel which is a miRNA target prediction instrument. This software improves bioinformatic analysis by anticipation of microRNAs targets by grading and grouping. RESULTS: By utilizing the miRabel software, our research reveals that miRNA-132, miRNA-182, and miRNA-124 target a total of 123 genes involved in long-term depression. Out of these genes, twelve (PRKCB, PLA2G4A, PRKCG, GNAZ, GNAO1, GUCY1B3, GNAI2, PLCB3, PPP2R1A, PLCB2, GNA11, and GUCY1A2) display significant potential impact, with scores close to 1.0 (0.9). These particular genes exhibit a stronger influence compared to other target genes of miRNA-132, miRNA-182, and miRNA-124 concerning long-term depression. Our investigation also revealed that these genes target several pathways, including Beta-catenin independent WNT signaling, Corticotropin-releasing hormone relating pathway, ErbB communicating path, G protein signaling, Glutamic acid  attachment, triggering  of AMPA receptors, GnRH communication , Ras signaling, Serotonin and anxiety-related events, communication by WNT, Signaling by GPCR, MAPK pathway, NO/cGMP/PKG neural-preservation, Phosphodiesterases neuronal tasks, Neuroinflammation and glutamatergic signing, along with several other pathways. CONCLUSION: miRNAs such as miRNA-132, miRNA-182, and miRNA-124, identified via comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, show potential as depression biomarkers and treatment targets. Insight into their roles and target genes within depression pathways could inspire innovative treatment strategies.