MicroRNAs in the neural system

Abstract

Precise spatio-temporal control of gene expression at transcriptional and translational levels is required for both of proper developmental programming of the central nervous system and the performing of normal brain functions. Many studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of endogenous small RNAs, participate in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, and thus execute regulatory functions in various biologic processes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs participate in gene regulatory networks during the developmental, physiologic, and pathological processes of the brain. In this review, we attempt to summarize some of the recent advances in research on the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of neuronal development, neuroplasticity, and brain diseases, revealing their indispensable roles in neural functions.

Key words： MicroRNAs; brain; central nervous system; development; neurological diseases

Acknowledgement

We sincerely thank members of our laboratory for discussions and suggestions. This work is supported by the Chinese National Science and Technology Major Project for Drug Discovery (No. 2009ZX09303-006).

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