Dysregulation of MiRNAs in schizophrenia in an Egyptian patient population

Abstract

Abstract Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder influenced by genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors, including miRNA dysregulation. This study explored the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in SZ, focusing on seven key miRNAs: miR-137-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-432-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-346, miR-195-5p, and miR-103a-3p. Results revealed significant dysregulation of miR-137-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-346, and miR-103a-3p, highlighting their relevance to SZ pathology. Upregulation of miR-137-3p correlated with enhanced cognitive performance, as evidenced by improved scores on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Trail Making Test B (TMT-B). Conversely, miR-195-5p and miR-346 were strongly associated with cognitive processing speed, while miR-103a-3p downregulation was linked to reduced conceptual flexibility. Cluster analyses demonstrated that miRNA expression levels varied significantly based on antipsychotic treatment and receptor targeting, suggesting potential regulatory effects of medication. Importantly, miRNAs were measured in PBMCs, highlighting their feasibility as non-invasive biomarkers. The study underscores the diagnostic value of miRNAs, offering a promising avenue for early detection and personalized interventions in SZ. Future research should validate these findings across diverse cohorts and investigate miRNA-based therapeutic strategies. By integrating miRNA profiling into clinical practice, this study provides a foundation for advancing precision medicine in SZ management.