miR-182 and miR-183 act as GDNF mimics in midbrain neurons

We found in primary midbrain neurons the expression of miR-182 and miR-183 is increased with the treatment of GDNF. Further we showed that the transfaction with these two miRNA mimics resulted into the increased neurite length and regeneration in vitro. These mimics also showed neuroprotection of dopamenergic neurons in vitro and in vivo with an effect similar to GDNF. Finally we showed this effect is mediated by the downregulation of Foxo transcription factors. Primary midbrain neurons were cultured for DIV 1 and DIV 5 with or without GDNF supplementation. Cells were collected and total RNA was isolated for smRNA sequencing to compare the effect of GDNF treatment at DIV 1 and DIV 5.