Seizures are characterized by high levels of synchronized neuronal activity. One important regulator of neuronal activity is the hyperpolarizing A-type current mediated by potassium channel KV4.2. miR-324-5p downregulates KV4.2, exacerbating conditions that lead to seizure onset, and downregulation of miR-324-5p in mouse models of epilepsy is seizure-suppressive.
Changes in miRNA expression are seen in epileptogenesis and in other disease pathologies. In epilepsy, miR-324-5p expression has been shown to increase and decrease at different timepoints and loci.
Importantly, miR-324-5p has increased association with the RISC complex following seizure in mice, indicating more suppressive activity.
Overall, this suggests that miR-324-5p plays a role in epileptogenesis via targeting of potassium channel KV4.2.