Molecular interplay between Non-coding RNAs and BDNF in Neurodegenerative Disorders: a systematic review
Abbas Jalaiei1,2, Amir Hossein Kiani Darabi1, Ehsan Sakkaki1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Molecular Biology Reports
|June 6, 2026
Summary
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) show potential as biomarkers and therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). This review synthesizes evidence on ncRNA-BDNF interactions in NDDs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for nervous system health and its dysregulation is linked to neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs).
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are key regulators of gene expression in cellular processes relevant to NDDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on ncRNAs that modulate BDNF expression in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
- To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of these ncRNAs.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting BDNF-associated miRNAs for NDD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Critical synthesis of existing research on ncRNA-BDNF interactions in NDDs.
- Exploration of potential therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests ncRNAs play a role in post-transcriptional regulation of BDNF in neurodegeneration.
- ncRNAs modulating BDNF show promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for NDDs.
- Targeting BDNF-associated miRNAs represents a potential therapeutic avenue for NDDs.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs modulating BDNF expression are significant in neurodegenerative disease pathobiology.
- Further research is needed to solidify the role of ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in NDDs.
- Targeting specific miRNAs offers a novel approach for treating neurodegenerative conditions.
