Schizophrenia is a severe disabling brain disease affecting about 1% of the world’s population. Due to the dynamic nature of the peripheral blood transcriptome, understanding miRNAs gene expression signature in schizophrenia is a promising tool for discovery of disease-related biomarkers and biological pathways involved.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” aimed to identify specific miRNA signature characteristic for schizophrenia by using genome-wide miRNA expression profiling in patients with schizophrenia vs. healthy controls. In their study, they examined miRNA gene expression changes using LC Sciences custom miRNA microarray expression profiling service. In their paper, they report experimental proof for differentially down expressed miR-320a, miR-320b, miR-320d and miR-320c members.
To elucidate the biological pathways implicated in schizophrenia, researchers searched for the validated target genes of miR-320 gene family that might play a role in the regulation of schizophrenia susceptibility genes using miRWalk database. That analysis revealed experimentally validated targets with specific function in nervous system development including RCOR1, AGO1, REST, and EZH2.
The results suggested that differentially expressed miR-320 family members might be involved in schizophrenia molecular pathways.
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miRNA Microarray Service – LC Sciences provides a microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling service using microarrays based on our in-house developed µParaflo® technology platform. We have standard arrays for all mature miRNAs of all species available in the latest version of the miRBase database (Release 21, July 2014). Our service is comprehensive and includes sample labeling, array hybridization, image data processing and in-depth data analysis. Two-three weeks after receiving your total RNA samples, we’ll send you both the raw and fully analyzed data. [Learn more…]
Reference
T. I. Vachev, N. T. Popov, V. K. Stoyanova, H. Y. Ivanov, D. S. Minchev (2016) Down Regulation of MIR-320 Gene Family Members in the Peripheral Blood of Schizophrenia Patients Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci 5(1): 221-230 [article]