MicroRNAs: Small molecules with big roles in neurodevelopment and diseases

Emily Sun; Yanhong Shi

doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.08.005

MicroRNAs: Small molecules with big roles in neurodevelopment and diseases

Exp Neurol. 2015 Jun:268:46-53. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.08.005. Epub 2014 Aug 13.

Authors

Emily Sun¹, Yanhong Shi²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurosciences, Cancer Center, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
² Department of Neurosciences, Cancer Center, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA. Electronic address: yshi@coh.org.

PMID: 25128264
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.08.005

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that play important roles in the development and functions of the brain. Extensive studies have revealed critical roles for miRNAs in brain development and function. Dysregulation or altered expression of miRNAs is associated with abnormal brain development and pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases. This review serves to highlight the versatile roles of these small RNA molecules in normal brain development and their association with neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular, two closely related neuropsychiatric disorders of neurodevelopmental origin, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Neural stem cells; Neurodevelopment; Neuronal differentiation and maturation; Schizophrenia; miRNA.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Brain / growth & development*
Brain / metabolism
Central Nervous System Diseases / genetics
Central Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
Developmental Disabilities / genetics
Developmental Disabilities / metabolism*
Humans
MicroRNAs / genetics*
MicroRNAs / metabolism*

Substances

MicroRNAs