Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2025
07:23
Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome
Published on: June 15, 2016
8.7K
Regulation of AMPAR expression by microRNAs
1School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
Neuropharmacology
|July 18, 2021
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate brain function by controlling the number of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) at synapses. Dysregulation of these miRNAs can lead to neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are crucial for excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the brain.
- Synaptic plasticity, involving changes in AMPARs, underlies learning, memory, and is implicated in neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate AMPAR subunit expression at synapses.
- To explore the role of miRNAs in both physiological synaptic plasticity and pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Focus on miRNAs targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding AMPAR subunits.
- Investigate miRNAs targeting accessory proteins involved in AMPAR trafficking and synaptic localization.
Main Results:
- MiRNAs can locally regulate AMPAR subunit synthesis in neuronal dendrites.
- MiRNAs are key regulators of synaptic plasticity and can contribute to synaptic dysfunction when dysregulated.
Conclusions:
- MiRNAs play a significant role in controlling AMPAR expression at synapses.
- Understanding miRNA-mediated regulation of AMPARs is vital for addressing neurological disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
3.3K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.3K
01:22MicroRNAs
22.5K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
22.5K
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
1.1K
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
1.1K
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
23.9K
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
23.9K
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
3.4K
3.4K
01:29Translational Regulation
288
Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...
288