• MicroRNAs functional roles in Meningitis
  • Arya Moftakhar-Bazkiaei,1,* Bita Omranitabar,2
    1. Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
    2. Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran


  • Introduction: Inflammation of the meninges with an abnormal cell count in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterizes meningitis, and viral meningitis is prevalent in many countries. Diagnosis relies on examining cerebrospinal fluid obtained from lumbar puncture as clinical findings are also unreliable. Delayed initiation of antibiotics can increase mortality rates. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) perform diverse biological functions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as primary regulators in various inflammatory conditions, and their gene regulation appears to be crucial in controlling abnormal inflammatory responses. Research has demonstrated that miRNAs play a significant role in CNS inflammation disorders, including meningitis, and exert their effects through multiple pathways.
  • Methods: This study was directed in the database of PubMed, and Google Scholar from June 2002 to Aug 2024, by searching for keywords comprising MicroRNA, MiRNA, Mir-, and Meningitis, in both title and abstract. Inclusion criteria encompassed most of the studies published in English that investigated different pathways and functions of microRNAs, and their impacts on Meningitis.
  • Results: Several miRNAs, such as miR-155-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-135a, miR-124, and miR-17-5p, were found to interact with different biomolecules like MMP3, lncRSPH9-4, Cx43, SOCS1, STAT3, and eIF2α, impacting infection and inflammation through various pathways. Notably, miR-146a and miR-155 were discovered to modulate neuroinflammatory responses triggered by bacteria by negatively regulating the EGFR/NF-κB and TLR-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways. Additionally, genes and proteins, including circ_2858, also play a role in regulating certain miRNAs that can affect meningitis.
  • Conclusion: In various studies, it has been found that certain miRNAs are elevated in different types of meningitis and may function as potential biomarkers. Their elevated levels or suppression can signify varied effects on the condition. MiRNAs have the ability to stimulate the growth of astrocytes and inhibit cell apoptosis. Additionally, in viral meningitis, it has been suggested that miRNAs can increase the production of structural proteins essential for packaging the viral genome. While miRNA-mediated regulation typically yields negative outcomes, instances of positive regulation following miRNA binding have also been documented. Specific blocking of some of these miRNAs could be a potential strategy for preventing and treating meningitis in the future. For instance, the inhibition of miR-155-5p can potentially decrease Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced meningitis. These discoveries could indicate possible targets for therapeutic interventions against meningitis in the future, paving the way for innovative treatment approaches.
  • Keywords: Meningitis, MicroRNAs, Non-coding RNAs