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Emerging Role of microRNAs in Dementia

Sarayu Ramakrishna1, Ravi S Muddashetty2

  • 1Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, (inStem), Bangalore 560065, India; The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore 560064, India.

Journal of Molecular Biology
|February 11, 2019
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs regulate protein synthesis in neurons, crucial for memory. Their dysregulation is linked to dementia, highlighting their role in synaptic function and cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • Neuronal homeostasis and function, particularly activity-mediated protein synthesis essential for memory and cognition, rely on miRNA regulation.
  • Dementia encompasses cognitive and memory decline, with miRNA dysregulation implicated in various brain pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of microRNAs in regulating protein synthesis and cellular processes relevant to dementia.
  • To highlight the significance of microRNAs in normal neuronal function and their contribution to dementia pathology.
  • To explore the under-investigated role of microRNAs in modulating activity-mediated protein synthesis at the synapse in dementia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research on microRNAs in neuronal function and dementia.
  • Analysis of microRNA-mediated regulation of protein synthesis pathways.
  • Focus on synaptic plasticity and activity-dependent protein synthesis in the context of dementia.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs are critical regulators of protein synthesis in neurons, influencing synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions.
  • Dysregulation of specific microRNAs is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
  • MicroRNAs play a significant role in modulating activity-dependent protein synthesis at synapses, a key factor in dementia.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are integral to maintaining neuronal homeostasis and cognitive function.
  • Defective microRNA regulation of protein synthesis and synaptic dysfunction are key contributors to dementia pathology.
  • Targeting microRNA pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for dementia.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseasefronto-temporal dementiamicroRNA processingsynaptic dysfunctiontranslation regulation

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