Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
09:40
Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
miRNA genes and the brain: implications for psychiatric disorders
Diego A Forero1, Karlijn van der Ven, Patrick Callaerts
1Applied Molecular Genomics Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB.
Human Mutation
|August 21, 2010
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial noncoding RNA regulators in brain development and plasticity. Their dysregulation offers a promising avenue for understanding psychiatric disorders (PDs) when traditional genetic approaches fall short.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Protein-coding genes and GWAS have limited success in identifying psychiatric disorder (PD) risk factors.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with significant roles in gene expression regulation.
- miRNA dysregulation can mimic genetic disruption, making them key in psychiatric genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of miRNA roles in brain development and plasticity.
- To explore the potential involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
- To emphasize the importance of further research into noncoding RNAs in PD etiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on miRNAs and brain function.
- Analysis of studies linking miRNA deregulation to psychiatric disorders.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA involvement in neurodevelopment and plasticity.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are integral to fundamental brain mechanisms, including development and plasticity.
- Evidence suggests miRNAs play a role in the pathological processes of various psychiatric disorders.
- miRNA research offers a complementary approach to traditional genetic studies for PDs.
Conclusions:
- Exploring brain-expressed miRNAs and other noncoding RNAs is vital for identifying novel PD genes and pathways.
- Further investigation into the role of miRNAs in the etiology of common PDs is of significant importance.
- Implementing advanced strategies is necessary to fully elucidate miRNA contributions to psychiatric disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...