Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience (Aug 2013)

The interplay of microRNA and neuronal activity in health and disease

  • Stephen Matthew Eacker,
  • Stephen Matthew Eacker,
  • Ted M Dawson,
  • Ted M Dawson,
  • Ted M Dawson,
  • Valina Lynn Dawson,
  • Valina Lynn Dawson,
  • Valina Lynn Dawson,
  • Valina Lynn Dawson

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2013.00136
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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MicroRNA (miRNA) are small 19-23nt regulatory RNAs that function by modulating mRNA translation and/or turnover in a sequence-specific fashion. In the nervous system, miRNA regulate the production of numerous proteins involved in synaptic transmission. In turn neuronal activity can regulate the production and turnover of miRNA through a variety of mechanisms. In this way, miRNAs and neuronal activity are in a reciprocal homeostatic relationship that balances neuronal function. MiRNA function is critical in pathological states related to over-excitation such as epilepsy and stroke, suggesting miRNA’s potential as a therapeutic target. We review the current literature relating the interplay of miRNA and neuronal activity and provide future directions for defining miRNA’s role in disease.

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