Title:Common microRNAs in Epilepsy and Migraine: Their Possibility as Candidates
for Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets during Comorbid Onset
of Both Conditions
Volume: 22
Issue: 5
Author(s): Abhilash Ludhiadch, Nidhi Bhardwaj, Palvi Gotra, Roshan Kumar and Anjana Munshi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
Keywords:
miRNA, migraine, epileptogenesis, neurogenesis, neuronal death, shared mechanisms.
Abstract: Epilepsy and migraine are chronic neurological disorders with shared clinical as well as
pathophysiological mechanisms. Epileptic patients are at a higher risk of developing migraine compared
to normal individuals and vice versa. Several genetic and environmental risk factors have been
reported to be associated with the development of both diseases. Previous studies have already established
standard genetic markers involved in various pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of both
these comorbid conditions. In addition to genetic markers, epigenetic markers have also been found to
be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and migraine. Among the epigenetic markers, miRNAs
have been explored at length and have emerged as significant players in regulating the expression of
their target genes. miRNAs like miR-22, miR-34a, miR-155, miR-211, and Let-7b play a significant
role in neuronal differentiation and seem to be associated with epilepsy and migraine as comorbid
conditions. However, the exact shared mechanisms underlying the role of these miRNAs in these
comorbid conditions are still unclear. The current review has been compiled with an aim to explore
common microRNAs targeting the genes involved in shared molecular pathways leading to epilepsy
and migraine as comorbid conditions. The new class of ncRNAs, i.e., tRNA transfer fragments, are also
discussed. In addition, their role as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets has also been evaluated.
However, limitations exist, and based on the current literature available, only a few microRNAs
seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of both these disorders.
