Axotomy-Induced miR-21 Promotes Axon Growth in Adult Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
2011

miR-21 Helps Nerve Cells Grow After Injury

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Strickland Iain T., Richards Louise, Holmes Fiona E., Wynick David, Uney James B., Wong Liang-Fong

Primary Institution: University of Bristol

Hypothesis

Altered miRNA levels after peripheral nerve injury can contribute to growth programs that promote axonal regeneration.

Conclusion

The study found that miR-21 enhances axon growth in injured dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Supporting Evidence

  • miR-21 was upregulated by 7-fold in the DRG at 7 days post-axotomy.
  • Overexpression of miR-21 promoted neurite outgrowth in adult rat DRG neurons.
  • miR-21 directly downregulated expression of Sprouty2 protein.

Takeaway

When nerves get hurt, a tiny molecule called miR-21 helps the nerve cells grow back better.

Methodology

The study used microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription PCR to profile miRNA changes in dorsal root ganglion neurons after sciatic nerve injury.

Participant Demographics

Adult rats and mice were used in the experiments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023423

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