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Shaping the synapse through neuronal activity-regulated miRNAs.

Raul Portugal1, Beatriz Rodrigues2, Ricardo A Leitão2

  • 1CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Doctoral Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Trends in Neurosciences
|July 12, 2025
PubMed
Summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of synaptic plasticity, essential for learning and memory. Neuronal activity controls miRNA function throughout their life cycle, enabling precise protein synthesis for brain adaptation.

Keywords:
activity-regulated miRNA expressionexperience-dependent plasticitypost-transcriptional regulationsynaptic plasticity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Experience-dependent synaptic plasticity underlies learning and memory.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators in the nervous system.
  • Understanding miRNA regulation is vital for deciphering neural adaptation mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating synaptic plasticity.
  • To explore how neuronal activity modulates the miRNA life cycle.
  • To connect miRNA-mediated gene expression control with learning and memory processes.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated miRNA involvement in mammalian synaptic plasticity.
  • Analyzed the impact of neuronal activity on miRNA transcription, transport, maturation, and decay.
  • Examined miRNA-mediated protein synthesis control at the synaptic level.

Main Results:

  • Neuronal activity influences all stages of the miRNA life cycle.
  • Transcriptional regulation drives neuron-wide structural changes.
  • Synapse-specific miRNA transport and maturation facilitate localized protein synthesis.
  • Activity-regulated miRNA decay offers a mechanism for reversible gene expression modulation.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential regulators bridging neuronal activity and molecular changes.
  • MiRNA regulation provides timely and localized control of protein synthesis in neurons.
  • These findings offer new insights into the molecular basis of learning and memory.