miR-485-5p alleviates Alzheimer’s disease progression by targeting PACS1

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common dementia and a heterogeneous disease. Previous research has validated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators in the initiation and development of tremendous diseases including AD. MicroRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) was reported to be an important participant implicated in several neurological diseases, but its role in AD still needs to be further investigated. In this research, we explored the biological function of miR-485-5p in AD. RT-qPCR revealed that miR-485-5p expression was downregulated in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, miR-485-5p overexpression facilitated the learning and memory capabilities of APP/PS1 mice according to Morris water maze test, fear conditioning test, and immunofluorescent staining. Moreover, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometric analysis, and western blot analysis suggested that miR-485-5p overexpression promoted pericyte viability and prohibited pericyte apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistically, miR-485-5p directly targeted PACS1 in pericytes, as shown in a luciferase reporter assay. In rescue assays, PACS1 overexpression countervailed the effect of miR-485-5p overexpression on pericyte viability and apoptosis. In conclusion, miR-485-5p ameliorates AD progression by targeting PACS1.