Identification of plasma exosomal microRNAs and bioinformatics analysis of the microRNA-messenger RNA regulatory pathways in mice with status epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a serious neurological emergency that brings significant risks to health and life. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets show involvement in the pathophysiology of SE. We identified plasma exosomal miRNAs and analyzed the miRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory pathways in SE mice. Mice were subjected to SE induction by kainic acid injection, and plasma exosome (Exo) extraction. Exo morphology, particle size distribution, and Exo-positive marker proteins were evaluated. Differentially-expressed miRNAs in Exos of SE mice were analyzed and verified by Sequencing and RT-qPCR. Functional enrichment analysis on target genes and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed. Hippocampal neuron cells HT-22 were cultured in vitro, and the targeted binding association between Exos-derived miR-205-5p and target genes was invalidated. There were 64 differentially-expressed miRNAs in plasma Exos of SE mice from healthy mice (32 up-regulated, 32 down-regulated). Among the top 10 differentially-expressed miRNAs, 5 were up-regulated, and 5 were down-regulated. The PPI network of collective target genes was developed, including 11 edges and 9 nodes. The genes related to nerve injury were Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b), and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). SE mouse plasma Exos targeted Gsk3b, LRRK2 and PTEN in neuronal cells and reduced cell viability. Plasma exosomal miRNAs of SE mice were differentially expressed, and their target genes participated in the regulation of multiple pathways, mainly related to nervous system development. miR-205-5p could target Gsk3b, LRRK2 and PTEN, and suppress neuronal viability.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-025-00708-8.

Bioinformatics; Dual; Exosomes; Luciferase; Messenger RNA; Protein; Protein interaction network; Status epilepticus; miR-205-5p; microRNAs.