Role of microRNAs in central nervous system development and pathology

Gene expression regulation is essential for correct functioning of the cell. Complex processes such as development, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell cycling require a fine tuning of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that have been recognized as key components of the gene ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroscience research 2012-01, Vol.90 (1), p.1-12
Main Authors: Meza-Sosa, Karla F., Valle-García, David, Pedraza-Alva, Gustavo, Pérez-Martínez, Leonor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alzheimer's disease
Animals
Apoptosis
Central nervous system
Central Nervous System - growth & development
Central Nervous System - pathology
Complementarity
Differentiation
epigenetics
Gene expression
Gene Expression Regulation - physiology
gene regulation
Humans
Mental disorders
MicroRNAs - metabolism
miRNA
Movement disorders
Nervous system
Neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative Diseases - pathology
neurodevelopment
Neuropathology
Parkinson's disease
Reviews
Schizophrenia
small RNA
Transcription factors
Translation
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Summary:Gene expression regulation is essential for correct functioning of the cell. Complex processes such as development, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell cycling require a fine tuning of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that have been recognized as key components of the gene expression regulatory machinery. By sequence complementarity, miRNAs recognize target mRNAs and inhibit their function through degradation or by repressing their translation. The development of the central nervous system (CNS) requires precise and exquisitely regulated gene expression patterns. It is now widely recognized that miRNAs have the capacity to provide such fine regulation both in time and in space. High‐throughput analyses as well as classical molecular biology approaches have allowed the identification of essential miRNAs for CNS development and function. Moreover, recent studies in several model organisms are beginning to show intricate regulatory networks involving miRNAs, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulators during CNS development. Here we review recent findings on the role that miRNAs play in the development of the CNS as well as in neuropathologies such as schizophrenia, Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ISSN:0360-4012
1097-4547
1097-4547
DOI:10.1002/jnr.22701