Circulating Brain-enriched MicroRNAs for detection and discrimination of idiopathic and genetic Parkinson's disease

Background A minimally invasive test for early detection and monitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly unmet need for drug development and planning of patient care. Blood plasma represents an attractive source of biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved noncoding RNA molecules that serve as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. As opposed to ubiquitously expressed miRNAs that control house-keeping processes, brain-enriched miRNAs regulate diverse aspects of neuron development and function. These include neuron-subtype specification, axonal growth, dendritic morphogenesis, and spine density. Backed by a large number of studies, we now know that the differential expression of neuron-enriched miRNAs leads to brain dysfunction. Objectives The aim was to identify subsets of brain-enriched miRNAs with diagnostic potential for familial and idiopathic PD as well as specify the molecular pathways deregulated in PD. Methods Initially, brain-enriched miRNAs were selected based on literature review and validation studies in human tissues. Subsequently, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed in the plasma of 100 healthy controls and 99 idiopathic and 53 genetic (26 alpha-synuclein(A53T) and 27 glucocerebrosidase) patients. Statistical and bioinformatics analyses were carried out to pinpoint the diagnostic biomarkers and deregulated pathways, respectively. Results An explicit molecular fingerprint for each of the 3 PD cohorts was generated. Although the idiopathic PD fingerprint was different from that of genetic PD, the molecular pathways deregulated converged between all PD subtypes. Conclusions The study provides a group of brain-enriched miRNAs that may be used for the detection and differentiation of PD subtypes. It has also identified the molecular pathways deregulated in PD. (c) 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society