MicroRNAs underlying the antidepressant effect of psilocybin – Establishing an nCounter pipeline for microRNA-quantification in the pig brain
Research Square January 12, 2024 Erik Kaadt, Rolf Søkilde, Hanne D. Hansen et al.
A single dose of psilocybin alters the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of pigs, brain regions central to depression. One day after administration, 12 miRNAs were dysregulated in the prefrontal cortex and 2 in the hippocampus; after one week, only 4 dysregulated miRNAs remained in the hippocampus. Nine of the 18 identified miRNAs have been previously linked to depression. Two miRNAs, miR-212-3p and miR-107, showed robust acute regulation in the prefrontal cortex and are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects, mirroring previously reported effects of psilocybin. These results suggest psilocybin may exert its molecular effects through miRNA regulation.