biostudies-literatureUnknown23(1)Kumbol VCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin<h4>Background</h4>Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in the brain is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their conventional role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, certain miRNAs can act extracellularly as signaling molecules. Our study elucidates the identity of such miRNA species serving as ligands for membrane receptors expressed in central nervous system (CNS) neurons and the impact of such miRNAs on neurons in the context of neurodegenerative disease.<h4>Methods</h4>We combined a machine learning approach with the analysis of disease-associated miRNA databases to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated miRNAs as potential signaling molecules for single-stranded RNA-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8. TLR-expressinCell communication and signaling : CCS196https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12020182biostudies-literatureNeurodegenerative disease-associated microRNAs acting as signaling molecules modulate CNS neuron structure and viability.PMC12020182Lehnardt SBrehm MKruger CHinkelmann LKuchler JMcGurran HSchuler JZhai YWallach TBeule DKumbol VStachelscheid HLudwik KIvanov AHoltje MfalseNeurodegenerative disease-associated microRNAs acting as signaling molecules modulate CNS neuron structure and viability.<h4>Background</h4>Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in the brain is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their conventional role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, certain miRNAs can act extracellularly as signaling molecules. Our study elucidates the identity of such miRNA species serving as ligands for membrane receptors expressed in central nervous system (CNS) neurons and the impact of such miRNAs on neurons in the context of neurodegenerative disease.<h4>Methods</h4>We combined a machine learning approach with the analysis of disease-associated miRNA databases to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated miRNAs as potential signaling molecules for single-stranded RNA-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8. TLR-expressin2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Apr2026-06-01T23:00:22.137Z2025-07-01T03:05:14.411ZS-EPMC120201824027526010.1186/s12964-025-02199-8