In 2008, Wang et al. reported a decrease of miRNA-107 and an increase in BACE1 expression in the brains of AD patients. We therefore hypothesized that an increase in miRNA-107 would impact on the BACE1 mRNA level. To this end we transfected SH-SY5Y cells with miRNA-107 and assessed the mRNA level of BACE1 using qRT-PCR.
Our results demonstrate a powerful implication of miRNA-107 in the regulation of BACE1, since,
24 hours after transfection, the BACE1 mRNA level decreased to 55.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In pilot experiments, the BACE1 mRNA level even went down to 15.7%. We assume that this reduction would result in decreased neurotoxic β-amyloid peptide levels and therefore reduced plaque formation. Further research could expand on our findings, with the ultimate goal to open up new treatment avenues for AD.
24 hours after transfection, the BACE1 mRNA level decreased to 55.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In pilot experiments, the BACE1 mRNA level even went down to 15.7%. We assume that this reduction would result in decreased neurotoxic β-amyloid peptide levels and therefore reduced plaque formation. Further research could expand on our findings, with the ultimate goal to open up new treatment avenues for AD.
This project enabled students to learn and apply new and cutting edge research and techniques. Combined with the human element of science, we could get a holistic feel for medical research. We also learned about the underlying reasons why medical research is so important, i. e. to help real people, like our grandparents and even parents.
We hope that our study will inspire further research and therefore contribute to a better understanding of AD and new strategies against this burden of the modern world.
mRNA:
RNA molecule that specifies the amino acid sequence of a protein. It serves as a template in protein synthesis (translation)
miRNA:
(microRNA): a short RNA molecule found in eukaryotic cells. miRNAs have been shown to exert a regulatory role in gene expression.