Synaptosomes secrete and uptake functionally active micro RNA s via exocytosis and endocytosis pathways

J Xu, Q Chen, K Zen, C Zhang… - Journal of …, 2013 - Wiley Online Library
J Xu, Q Chen, K Zen, C Zhang, Q Zhang
Journal of neurochemistry, 2013Wiley Online Library
In this study, we first characterized synaptosome micro RNA (mi RNA) profiles using
microarray and qRT‐PCR. Micro RNA s were detected in isolated synaptic vesicles, and
Ago2 immunoprecipitation studies revealed an association between mi RNA s and Ago2.
Second, we found that miR‐29a, miR‐99a, and miR‐125a were significantly elevated in
synaptosome supernatants after depolarization. Mi RNA secretion by the synaptosome was
Ca2+‐dependent and was inhibited by the exocytosis inhibitor, okadaic acid. Furthermore …
Abstract
In this study, we first characterized synaptosome microRNA (miRNA) profiles using microarray and qRT‐PCR. MicroRNAs were detected in isolated synaptic vesicles, and Ago2 immunoprecipitation studies revealed an association between miRNAs and Ago2. Second, we found that miR‐29a, miR‐99a, and miR‐125a were significantly elevated in synaptosome supernatants after depolarization. MiRNA secretion by the synaptosome was Ca2+‐dependent and was inhibited by the exocytosis inhibitor, okadaic acid. Furthermore, application of nerve growth factor increased miRNA secretion without altering the spontaneous release of miRNAs. Conversely, kainic acid decreased miRNA secretion and enhanced the spontaneous release of miRNAs. These results indicate that synaptosomes could secrete miRNAs. Finally, synthesized miRNAs were taken up by synaptosomes, and the endocytosis inhibitor Dynasore blocked this process. After incubation with miR‐125a, additional miR‐125a was bound to Ago2 in the synaptosome, and expression of the miR‐125a target gene (PSD95 mRNA) was decreased; these findings suggest that the ingested miRNAs were assembled in the RNA‐induced silencing complex, resulting in the degradation of target mRNAs. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the secretion of miRNAs by synaptosomes under physiological stimulation and demonstrates that secreted miRNAs might be functionally active after being taken up by the synaptic fraction via the endocytic pathway.
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