MicroRNA-146a represses LRP2 translation and leads to cell apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease

MicroRNA regulation of transcript expression has been reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigate the role of microRNA-146a (miRNA-146a), a brain-enriched miRNA, which is upregulated in AD patients. Through analysis of predicted targets of miRNA-146a, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-2 (Lrp2), a member of the LDLR family that is known to play a protective role in AD, was identified. Overexpression of miRNA-146a in SH-SY5Y cells significantly decreased Lrp2 expression, resulting in a reduction of Akt activation and induction of proapoptotic caspase-3, thereby increasing cell apoptosis. Thus, specific miRNA-146a regulation may contribute to AD by downregulating the Lrp2/Akt pathway.