Recent research has revealed significant sex-specific differences in the genetic changes associated with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A collaborative study led by researchers at Goethe University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem highlights the role of microRNAs—small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression—in these disorders. The study identified a network of 212 microRNAs targeting 12,495 genes, pinpointing differences in immune-related gene expression between men and women, particularly regarding cytokines, the immune system’s signaling molecules.
By examining gene expression in patient brains and cultured nerve cells, the researchers found that exposure to certain cytokines could transform male and female neurons into cholinergic neurons, which utilize the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. They discovered 17 sex-dependent families of microRNAs and two specifically expressed families, mir-10 and mir-199, that act as interfaces between cytokines and cholinergic functions. This research not only sheds light on the clinical differences observed between genders in psychiatric diseases but also suggests that targeting microRNAs could lead to new therapeutic strategies, expanding the search for alternatives to conventional antipsychotic treatments. The findings point towards a promising direction in addressing the complex nature of psychiatric disorders.
