JNCASR study identifies the miR-7a–Klf4 axis as a potential therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at JNCASR found a significant increase in microRNA miR-7a, which targets the protein Klf4, in Alzheimer's disease, identifying a new therapeutic target, DST said on 5 August 2025.
Summary
Researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have identified a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, DST said on 5 August 2025. Using a double transgenic Alzheimer's mouse model, Madhu Ramesh and Prof. Thimmaiah Govindaraju found a significant increase in miR-7a, which targets Klf4, a master regulator of gene expression. The miR-7a–Klf4 axis regulates neuroinflammation and the iron-mediated neuronal cell death mechanism called ferroptosis. The study was published in NAR Molecular Medicine.
Key facts
- Institute
- JNCASR (DST autonomous institute)
- Researchers
- Madhu Ramesh, Prof. Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Finding
- Increase in miR-7a, which targets Klf4
- Pathways
- Neuroinflammation and ferroptosis
- Journal
- NAR Molecular Medicine
Practice MCQs 1 questions
A JNCASR study reported in August 2025 identified which microRNA–protein axis as regulating neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — miR-7a–Klf4
The researchers found a significant increase in miR-7a, which targets Klf4; the miR-7a–Klf4 axis regulates neuroinflammation and ferroptosis.