Non-coding RNAs and Exosomal Non-coding RNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury: the Small Player with Big Actions.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant global health concern due to high morbidity and unrecognized long-term consequences.
• Secondary injury mechanisms in TBI include free radical production, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation.
• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical for post-transcriptional regulation and are highly expressed in the mammalian brain, influencing physiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the primary molecular mechanisms involved in TBI.
• To highlight recent findings on the changes and roles of ncRNAs in TBI.
• To consolidate current clinical and experimental research on ncRNAs in traumatic brain injury.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical and experimental studies.
• Analysis of molecular pathways implicated in secondary brain injury.
• Examination of ncRNA expression patterns in TBI.

Main Results:

• Altered ncRNA expression is observed in individuals with TBI.
• ncRNAs play a fundamental role in the post-transcriptional regulation of cellular pathways affected by TBI.
• Specific ncRNAs are implicated in the molecular mechanisms of TBI, including neuroinflammation and cell death.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs represent a significant area of research for understanding and potentially treating TBI.
• Further investigation into ncRNA function and dysregulation in TBI is warranted.
• Targeting ncRNAs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for managing TBI outcomes.