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MicroRNAs

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...

MicroRNAs

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...

MicroRNAs

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...

Integration of Synaptic Events

Integration of Synaptic Events

Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Combining Optogenetics with Artificial microRNAs to Characterize the Effects of Gene Knockdown on Presynaptic Function within Intact Neuronal Circuits

Combining Optogenetics with Artificial microRNAs to Characterize the Effects of Gene Knockdown on Presynaptic Function within Intact Neuronal Circuits

Published on: March 14, 2018

The role of microRNAs in synaptic development and function.

Rachel Corbin¹, Katherine Olsson-Carter, Frank Slack

¹Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.

|April 2, 2009

Summary

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and are abundant in the brain. This review explores their function at neuronal synapses and potential roles in memory formation.

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Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Published on: September 15, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Combining Optogenetics with Artificial microRNAs to Characterize the Effects of Gene Knockdown on Presynaptic Function within Intact Neuronal Circuits

Combining Optogenetics with Artificial microRNAs to Characterize the Effects of Gene Knockdown on Presynaptic Function within Intact Neuronal Circuits

Published on: March 14, 2018

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Published on: September 15, 2018

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Genetics

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
Discovered in C. elegans, miRNAs are crucial for development, lifespan, and cancer across diverse species.
Despite their abundance in the brain, the specific roles of miRNAs in nervous system development and function remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding microRNA function at neuronal synapses.
To explore the potential implications of these findings for the molecular mechanisms of memory.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies on microRNA function in the nervous system.
Analysis of research focusing on microRNA roles at synapses.
Synthesis of findings to propose a model for microRNA involvement in memory.

Main Results:

MicroRNAs play significant roles in regulating gene expression within neuronal synapses.
Emerging evidence highlights microRNA involvement in synaptic plasticity and neuronal communication.
Specific microRNAs are implicated in processes relevant to learning and memory.

Conclusions:

MicroRNAs are critical regulators of synaptic function and neuronal activity.
Understanding microRNA-synapse interactions offers new insights into the molecular basis of memory.
Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex roles of microRNAs in the nervous system.