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Published on: October 19, 2021
miRNAs: Key Players in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Epilepsy
Hanuma Kumar Karnati1, Manas Kumar Panigrahi2, Ravi Kumar Gutti1
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, ∼22 nucleotide, non-coding RNA molecules that function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNA dysregulation has been observed in cancer and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the neurological disorder, epilepsy. Neuronal degradation and death are important hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, abnormalities in metabolism, synapsis and axonal transport have been associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. A number of recently published studies have demonstrated the importance of miRNAs in the nervous system and have contributed to the growing body of evidence on miRNA dysregulation in neurological disorders. Knowledge of the expressions and activities of such miRNAs may aid in the development of novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the significance of miRNA dysregulation in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and the use of miRNAs as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression. Their dysregulation is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, offering potential new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- miRNA dysregulation is implicated in various cancers and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy.
- Neuronal degradation, altered metabolism, and synaptic dysfunction are hallmarks of these neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of miRNA dysregulation in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miRNA function and dysregulation in the nervous system.
- Analysis of evidence linking miRNA abnormalities to specific neurodegenerative conditions.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence highlights the significance of miRNAs in nervous system function.
- Specific miRNA expression patterns are associated with the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding miRNA dysregulation is crucial for elucidating neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
- miRNAs represent promising targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
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