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Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because aging is the most prominent risk factor for AD, understanding the molecular changes during aging is likely to provide critical insights into AD pathogenesis. However, studies on the role of miRNAs in aging and AD pathogenesis have only recently been initiated. Identifying miRNAs dysregulated by the aging process in the brain may lead to novel understanding of molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Here, we identified that miR‐186 levels are gradually decreased in cortices of mouse brains during aging. In addition, we demonstrated that miR‐186 suppresses β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression by directly targeting the 3′UTR of Bace1 mRNA in neuronal cells. In contrast, inhibition of endogenous miR‐186 significantly increased BACE1 levels in neuronal …