MicroRNAs signatures as potential molecular markers in mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a decline in cognitive functioning without significant interference in daily activities. Its high heterogeneity and elevated conversion rate to dementia pose challenges for accurate diagnosis and monitoring, highlighting the urgent need to identify methodologies focused on the early detection and intervention of MCI. Due to their biological characteristics, microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential candidates as non-invasive molecular markers for the identification and assessment of MCI progression. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the miRNAs commonly deregulated in MCI, focusing on expression profiles in plasma, serum, and extracellular vesicle samples. Our analysis identified eight upregulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-149-3p, and four downregulated miRNAs, such as Let-7f-5p. Notably, hsa-miR-149-3p emerged as a central node in interaction networks, suggesting its crucial role in regulating cellular processes relevant to MCI. Additionally, pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in biological processes associated with transcriptional regulation and neurodegeneration. Our results underscore the potential of circulating miRNAs as non-invasive molecular markers for MCI and open the possibility for new methodologies that enable more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Validating the expression of miRNAs such as hsa-miR-149-3p and Let-7f-5p, along with identifying their functional role in the specific context of MCI, is essential to establish their biological relevance. This work contributes to the understanding of the miRNA profile in mild cognitive impairment using easily accessible samples, which could be useful for the development of various strategies aimed at preventing or delaying MCI in individuals at risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.