Expression of MicroRNA-200a/b/c in the Mediobasal Hypothalamic Nuclei with Aging

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to small non-coding RNAs that coordi-nate the expression of cellular genes at the post-transcriptional level. The hypothalamus is a key regulator of homeostasis, biological rhythms and adaptation to different environmental factors. It also participates in the aging regulation. Variations in miRNA expression in the hypothalamus can affect the aging process. Objective: Our objective of this study is to examine the expression of miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p in the dorsomedial (DMN), ventromedial (VMN) and arcuate (ARN) nuclei of the hypothalamus in male and female rats during aging. Methods: The expression of miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, and miR-200c-3p in DMN, VMN and ARN was studied by qPCR-RT. The results were presented using the 2-ΔΔCq algorithm. Results: The expression of miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p microRNAs decreases with aging in the DMN of males and in the VMN of females. The level of miR-200b-3p expression de-creased in aged males in the VMN and females in the DMN. The expression of miR-200c-3p de-clined in aged males in the ARN and in females in the DMN. The expression of miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, and miR-200c-3p did not change in females in the ARN in aging. Conclusion: We found a decrease in the expression of members of the miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, and miR-200c-3p in the tuberal hypothalamic nuclei and their sex differences in aging rats.