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The Emerging Role of microRNAs in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Nikolaos Mellios1, Mriganka Sur

  • 1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA, USA.

Frontiers in Psychiatry
|April 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial for brain development and plasticity. This review explores their role in neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs vital for brain development and maturation.
  • Recent discoveries illuminate miRNA-mediated mechanisms influencing brain plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of miRNAs in brain plasticity and function.
  • To explore the involvement of brain-expressed miRNAs in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current and historical research on miRNAs.
  • Focus on synaptic plasticity and its relation to neuropsychiatric conditions.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs play a significant role in regulating molecular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity.
  • Evidence suggests a link between dysregulated miRNAs and the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Further investigation into miRNAs is warranted for understanding and potentially treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Brain-expressed miRNAs represent promising targets for therapeutic interventions in conditions like schizophrenia and autism.
Keywords:
autismmicroRNAneuropsychiatric disorderschizophreniasynaptic plasticity

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