Role of miR-211 in a PC12 cell model of Alzheimer's disease via regulation of neurogenin 2.

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? What is the mechanism of miR-211 in an Alzheimer's disease cell model? What is the main finding and its importance? miR-211 was upregulated in an Alzheimer's disease cell model. It targeted neurogenin 2, reduced the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signalling pathway, inhibited the proliferation of the Alzheimer's disease cell model and promoted apoptosis.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRs) are aberrantly expressed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. This study was intended to investigate the effect of miR-211 on an AD cell model and the involvement of neurogenin 2 (Ngn2). The appropriate dose and time for the effect of Aβ on PC12 cells were determined to establish an AD cell model. An effect of miR-211 expression on cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis was detected after cell transfection. Online prediction and a dual luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to confirm the binding sequence of miR-211 and Ngn2. qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were applied to measure Ngn2 expression. A gain and loss of function assay of miR-211 and Ngn2 was performed, and activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway was detected. The AD cell model was induced by Aβ treatment. miR-211 expression was significantly enhanced after miR-211 transfection, leading to suppressed proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in Aβ -treated PC12 cells. In addition, miR-211 could downregulate Ngn2 mRNA and protein expression, while overexpression of Ngn2 could reverse the effects of miR-211 on Aβ -treated PC12 cells and significantly enhance the phosphorylated Akt and PI3K protein levels. miR-211 could inhibit growth of PC12 cells by suppressing Ngn2 expression and inactivating the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway.