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MicroRNAs and Child Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Brief Review
Sujay Paul1, Paula Roxana Reyes1, Betsabé Sánchez Garza1
1Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Queretaro, Av. Epigmenio Gonzalez, No. 500 Fracc. San Pablo, CP 76130, Querétaro, Mexico.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through posttranscriptional mechanisms via degradation or inhibition of specific mRNAs targets. In recent years, abundant studies have illustrated the relevance of miRNAs in human psychopathology. In this current review, neuropsychiatric disorders with moderate to high prevalence among children and adolescents such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Epilepsy, Schizophrenia and Tourette Syndrome were discussed focusing on the functional consequence of altered miRNA expression during the development of such diseases. The insight about the roles that miRNAs play in central nervous systems development such as cell proliferation and differentiation, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and apoptosis might be the key to explicate novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of these disorders, as well as the finding of new targets for drug development for therapeutic approaches.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in brain development and function. Altered miRNA expression is linked to childhood neuropsychiatric disorders, offering potential for new diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression posttranscriptionally.
- Emerging research highlights the significant role of miRNAs in human psychopathology.
- Childhood neuropsychiatric disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD show altered miRNA expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional consequences of altered miRNA expression in the development of prevalent childhood neuropsychiatric disorders.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets for drug development in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNAs and neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
- Analysis of the role of miRNAs in central nervous system development processes.
- Focus on disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Dyslexia, Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, and Tourette Syndrome.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are implicated in crucial CNS developmental processes: cell proliferation, differentiation, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and apoptosis.
- Dysregulation of specific miRNAs is associated with the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Evidence suggests miRNAs are involved in the developmental trajectory of these conditions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding miRNA roles in neurodevelopment is crucial for deciphering neuropsychiatric disorders.
- miRNAs represent promising candidates for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
- Targeting miRNA pathways may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for childhood neuropsychiatric diseases.
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