Circ-Vps41 positively modulates Syp and its overexpression improves memory ability in aging mice

Abstract

IntroductionAge is an established risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders. Aging-related cognitive decline is a common cause of memory impairment in aging individuals, in which hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory formation are damaged. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in many cognitive disorders, but their role in aging-related memory impairment is unclear.Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of circ-Vps41 on aging-related hippocampus-dependent memory impairment and explore the potential mechanisms. Here, D-galactose was used to produce a conventional aging model resulting in memory dysfunction.ResultsCirc-Vps41 was significantly downregulated in D-galactose-induced aging in vitro and in vivo. The overexpression of circ-Vps41 could upregulate synaptophysin (Syp), thereby promoting the synaptic plasticity and alleviating cognitive impairment in aging mice. Mechanistically, we found that circ-Vps41 upregulated Syp expression by physically binding to miR-24-3p. Moreover, the miR-24-3p mimics reversed the circ-Vps41 overexpression-induced increase in Syp expression.DiscussionOverexpression of circ-Vps41 alleviated the synaptic plasticity and memory dysfunction via the miR-24-3p/Syp axis. These findings revealed circ-Vps41 regulatory network and provided new insights into its potential mechanisms for improving aging-related learning and memory impairment.

DExH-box helicase 9 modulates hippocampal synapses and regulates neuropathic pain

“…PSD-95 and SYP have a strong association with synaptic plasticity. 39 , 40 Interestingly, we detected significant decreases in PSD-95 and SYP expression after the downregulation of DHX9. It is well-known that PSD-95 modulates the formation of the postsynaptic density and affects synaptic plasticity via direct or indirect interactions with glutamate receptors and/or intracellular proteins.…”

Ocean acidification alters the transcriptomic response in the nervous system ofAplysia californicaduring reflex behaviour

“…Trained Aplysia exposed to elevated pCO 2 resulted in specific molecular changes related to the habituation process, for example of vps-41 coding gene expression. Expression of circular mRNA of vps-41 improves synaptic plasticity and learning functions by acting as a “sponge” delivering miRNAs to regulate the transcriptome (84,85). Its upregulation under OA and after habituation training could therefore facilitate synaptic changes in the reflex circuitry.…”

Assessing Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Agent for Preventing and Alleviating Alzheimer’s Disease Neurodegeneration

“…CBD's established neuroprotective effects in vitro, as well as its potential to repair cognitive deficits in AD mice, warrant further exploration, particularly its influence on synaptic enhancement and neuronal protection in vivo. We analyzed the mRNA expression of the following essential synaptic proteins: GluA1 and GluA2 (AMPA receptor subunits); CaM-dependent protein kinase IIα (CamKIIα); synaptophysin (SYP); and DLG4, which encodes post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) [33][34][35][36]. Our data indicate that CBD counteracts the Aβ 1-42 -induced decline in these mRNA levels in the mouse cerebral cortex (Figure 3A-E).…”