Serum and serum-derived extracellular vesicle microRNA signatures linked to neurodevelopmental processes in central precocious puberty - Summary - MDSpire
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Serum and serum-derived extracellular vesicle microRNA signatures linked to neurodevelopmental processes in central precocious puberty
To analyze circulating microRNA profiles in female patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) and identify their association with neurodevelopmental and growth-related pathways.
Approach:
Sample Collection: Serum samples from 22 female patients diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) and 18 age-matched healthy controls were collected.
Small RNA Sequencing: Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using small RNA sequencing, which analyzed the expression profiles of circulating miRNAs.
Validation: Selected miRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (RT–qPCR) in an expanded cohort, confirming the findings from sequencing.
Functional Enrichment Analysis: Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using experimentally validated miRNA target genes, highlighting biological processes related to neurodevelopment and growth regulation.
Key Findings:
Ten miRNAs showed significantly altered expression levels in CPP (adjusted p-value 0.5), with pathway enrichment analysis indicating associations with neurodevelopmental and growth-related pathways.
Reduced serum expression of miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-99b-5p was confirmed in CPP patients, while miR-148a-3p exhibited a statistically significant increase in the EV-associated fraction of CPP samples.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the potential role of miRNA-mediated regulation in the premature activation of the HPG axis in CPP.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a small cohort of female patients, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Further investigation is needed to establish causative relationships between the identified miRNAs and the mechanisms of CPP.
Conclusion:
The findings provide a basis for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying pubertal disorders, particularly focusing on the role of circulating miRNAs.
by Maria Morrou, Vassos Neocleous, Meropi Toumba, Marios Tomazou, Louiza Potamiti, Maria Zanti, Kyriaki Michailidou, Fotios Mpekris, George M. Spyrou, Andreas Protopapas, Elena Sotiriou, Michalis Iasonides, Nicos Skordis, Pavlos Fanis, Leonidas A. Phylactou
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