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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes
10:48

Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes

Published on: April 12, 2015

microRNAs: tiny regulators of synapse function in development and disease.

Silvia Bicker1, Gerhard Schratt

  • 1Interdisziplinäes Zentrum fü Neurowissenschaften, SFB488 Junior Group, Universitä Heidelberg, and Institut fü Neuroanatomie, Universitäsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|July 16, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs are small RNAs crucial for brain development, neuronal identity, and synapse function. Understanding their role in the nervous system offers insights into cognitive functions and neurological diseases.

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Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neuronal circuits rely on gene regulation for development and function.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate protein synthesis.
  • miRNAs are vital in the vertebrate nervous system for cell identity and mature neuron function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the function of miRNAs in the nervous system, focusing on synapse formation and plasticity.
  • To discuss the potential role of miRNAs in neurological diseases.
  • To highlight the significance of studying brain miRNAs for understanding cognition and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on microRNAs in the nervous system.
  • Synthesis of findings on miRNA involvement in neuronal development and function.
  • Exploration of the link between miRNAs and neurological disorders.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs are key regulators of neuronal cell identity and synapse plasticity.
  • Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in various neurological diseases.
  • Brain microRNAs are critical for higher cognitive functions.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs play essential roles in the development, function, and plasticity of neuronal circuits.
  • Further research into brain microRNAs is crucial for advancing our understanding of neurological diseases and cognitive processes.