• Parham Arab zadeh

Abstract Paranoid schizophrenia, characterized by persistent delusions and hallucinations, represents a debilitating mental illness with unknown etiology. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) like MIAT (Myocardial Infarction Associated Transcript) are emerging as key players in neuropsychiatric disorders, potentially influencing gene expression through complex regulatory mechanisms. This study investigates the involvement of MIAT and its interaction with microRNA-21 (miR-21) in regulating the WNT signaling pathway, contributing to paranoid schizophrenia pathophysiology. Methods: We employed in vitro and in vivo models to explore the functional interactions between MIAT, miR-21, and the WNT signaling pathway. In vitro, we utilized cell lines with MIAT overexpression or knockdown to assess the impact on miR-21 expression and downstream WNT signaling components. In vivo, we employed animal models of paranoid schizophrenia to analyze MIAT, miR-21, and WNT pathway activity in relevant brain regions. Additionally, bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify potential binding sites between MIAT and miR-21. Results: Our findings revealed that MIAT acts as a sponge for miR-21, thereby inhibiting its suppressive effect on the WNT signaling pathway. MIAT overexpression led to decreased miR-21 expression and enhanced WNT signaling activity, both in vitro and in vivo models of paranoid schizophrenia. Conversely, MIAT knockdown resulted in increased miR-21 expression and attenuated WNT signaling. Bioinformatics analyses further confirmed the presence of putative binding sites between MIAT and miR-21, supporting the sponge-like interaction. Conclusions: This study provides intriguing evidence for the involvement of the MIAT-miR-21-WNT signaling axis in paranoid schizophrenia pathophysiology. MIAT's ability to sponge miR-21 and modulate WNT signaling suggests its potential as a novel therapeutic target for intervention. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this interaction and its potential clinical implications.

Paranoid Schizophrenia, Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA), MIAT (Myocardial Infarction Associated Transcript), MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), WNT Signaling Pathway, Sponge Interaction

"Investigating the MIAT-miR-21-WNT Axis in Paranoid Schizophrenia", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 11, page no.a717-a725, November-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2411074.pdf

"Investigating the MIAT-miR-21-WNT Axis in Paranoid Schizophrenia", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 11, page no. ppa717-a725, November-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2411074.pdf