Manipulating MicroRNAs in Murine Models: Targeting the Multi-Targeting in Epilepsy

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that work posttranscriptionally to negatively regulate protein levels. They influence neuronal and glial structure and function, neuroinflammatory signaling, cell death, neurogenesis, and other processes relevant to epileptogenesis. Functional studies using oligonucleotide inhibitors (antagomirs) and mimics (agomirs) to modulate microRNAs in rat and mouse models of epilepsy show effects on evoked and spontaneous seizures and attendant neuropathology. The present review summarizes recent findings and points to gaps in our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and directions for the future.