MicroRNAs: Key Regulators in the Central Nervous System and Their Implication in Neurological Diseases

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, well-conserved noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They have been demonstrated to regulate a lot of biological pathways and cellular functions. Many miRNAs are dynamically regulated during central nervous system (CNS) development and are spatially expressed in adult brain indicating their essential roles in neural development and function. In addition, accumulating evidence strongly suggests that dysfunction of miRNAs contributes to neurological diseases. These observations, together with their gene regulation property, implicated miRNAs to be the key regulators in the complex genetic network of the CNS. In this review, we first focus on the ways through which miRNAs exert the regulatory function and how miRNAs are regulated in the CNS. We then summarize recent findings that highlight the versatile roles of miRNAs in normal CNS physiology and their association with several types of neurological diseases. Subsequently we discuss the limitations of miRNAs research based on current studies as well as the potential therapeutic applications and challenges of miRNAs in neurological disorders. We endeavor to provide an updated description of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in normal CNS functions and pathogenesis of neurological diseases.

Welcome to the 10th volume of Epigenomics

“…Dysregulation of miRNA in the pathophysiology of polyQ disorders miRNA dysregulation is emerging as a critical factor contributing to neurodegeneration [105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112]. Major alterations in brain mRNA levels have been observed in various neurodegenerative disorders, and as mentioned above, altered neuronal transcriptional activity is a persistent feature of most polyQ disorders.…”

MicroRNAs in health and disease

“…MicroRNAs have been shown to play a fundamental role in migration and integration; processes that are critical for the architecture of the brain. 45 miRNAs especially miR-9, 46 miR-132 47 and miR-134 48 have been shown to play a regulatory role in dendritic development and maturation in experimental models.…”

MicroRNAs Role in the Central Nervous System Development and Abnormalities

“…Some miRNAs are specifically expressed and enriched in brain [10], suggesting their specific roles in regulating brain functions. Specifically, miRNAs are implicated in brain development: they regulate embryonic neural induction, development, differentiation, neuronal subtype specification, migration and integration, synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity [11]. Any interference of miRNA regulations may be associated with aberrant neural development and neurological disorders.…”