The Role of MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Importance: At present, the diagnoses of many psychiatric and neurological disorders are based on clinical symptoms and behaviors, neglecting the laboratory test indicators. This narrative review assessed the existing published literature on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Observations: The miRNAs are involved in numerous biological processes, and their dysregulation can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. They also play a prominent role in neurotransmitter signaling pathways, and their impairment can lead to psychiatric disorders. The miRNAs act as key regulators of neuronal functions such as neuroplasticity, differentiation, and protection of neurons and also play a role in establishing memory and cognition. Neurodegenerative processes therefore involve miRNAs as potential targets for treatment and early detection. The functional regulation of miRNAs of several genes has made miRNAs potent targets for therapeutic development.

Conclusions and Relevance: miRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response in psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2026;28(2):25nr04069.

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