miR ‐149 and miR‐29c as candidates for bipolar disorder biomarkers

In this study, we show that EVs extracted from the anterior cingulate cortex (BA24), a crucial area for modulating emotional expression and affect, have increased levels of miR‐149 in BD patients compared to controls. Because miR‐149 has been shown to inhibit glial proliferation, increased miR‐149 expression in BA24‐derived EVs is consistent with the previously reported reduced glial cell numbers in BA24 of patients diagnosed with either familial BD or familial major depressive disorder. qPCR analysis of laser‐microdissected neuronal and glial cells from BA24 cortical samples of BD patients verified that the glial, but not neuronal, population exhibits significantly increased miR‐149 expression. Finally, we report altered expression of both miR‐149 and miR‐29c in EVs extracted from brains of Flinders Sensitive Line rats, a well‐validated animal model exhibiting depressive‐like behaviors and glial (astrocytic) dysfunction. These findings warrant future investigations into the potential of using EV miRNA signatures as biomarkers to further enhance the biological definition of BD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research