Decreased miR-132 plays a crucial role in diabetic encephalopathy by regulating the GSK-3?/Tau pathway.

ABSTRACT: Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a global concern and Gordian knot worldwide. miRNA-132 (miR-132) is a class of negative gene regulators that promote diabetic pathologic mechanisms and its complications. However, the molecular mechanisms of miR-132 in DE are elusive, thus an alternative therapeutic strategy is urgently in demand. The present study explored the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of miR-132 on DE via the GSK-?/Tau signaling pathway. Experimentally, a type 2 DM rat model was developed by incorporating a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. Further, the DE model was screened via the Morris Water Maze test. Primary hippocampal neurons and HT-22 cells were used for in vitro analysis. We found that hyperglycemia exacerbates cognitive impairment in T2DM rats. When we isolated the primary hippocampus neurons, the expression of miR-132 RNA was low in both the DE hippocampus and primary neurons. GSK-3? and Tau 404 were highly expressed in injured HT-22 cells and diabetic hippocampal tissues. miR-132 downregulated the expression of GSK-3?. Besides, a binding and colocalized relationship between GSK3? and Tau was also reported. These findings suggest that miR-132 exerts protective effects from DE injury by repressing GSK-3? expression and alleviating Tau hyperphosphorylation in HT-22 cells and hippocampus tissues.

SUBMITTER: Shi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7906212 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature