MicroRNA Regulators of Anxiety and Metabolic Disorders

Anxiety-related and metabolic disorders are under intense research focus. Anxiety-induced microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as regulators that are not only capable of suppressing inflammation but can also induce metabolic syndrome-related processes. We summarize here evidence linking miRNA pathways which share regulatory networks in metabolic and anxiety-related conditions. In particular, miRNAs involved in these disorders include regulators of acetylcholine signaling in the nervous system and their accompanying molecular machinery. These have been associated with anxiety-prone states in individuals, while also acting as inflammatory suppressors. In peripheral tissues, altered miRNA pathways can lead to dysregulated metabolism. Common pathways in metabolic and anxiety-related phenomena might offer an opportunity to reclassify ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’, as well as metabolic and anxiety-prone biological states, and inform putative strategies to treat these disorders.

TrendsAnxiety-related and metabolic disorders pose a significant healthcare burden, and are in the spotlight of contemporary research and therapeutic efforts.miRNAs continue to emerge as molecular elements with diverse regulatory functions. Recent data support a role for miRNAs in clinical scenarios linking anxiety and metabolic disorder-related diseases.Dually linked miRNAs may bridge anxiety and metabolism by influencing shared biological mechanisms.miRNAs can influence both metabolic and anxiety-related signaling pathways, and control inflammation, as well as modulating enzymes associated with autonomic nervous system functioning.This emerging link may offer novel opportunities for innovative diagnoses, follow-up, risk stratification, and management, while cautiously assessing potential off-target effects and risks.