title: Role of microRNA pathway in mental retardation.
abstract: Deficits in cognitive functions lead to mental retardation (MR). Understanding the genetic basis of inherited MR has provided insights into the pathogenesis of MR. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited MR, caused by the loss of functional Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded RNAs between 18 and 25 nucleotides in length, which have been implicated in diversified biological pathways. Recent studies have linked the miRNA pathway to fragile X syndrome. Here we review the role of the miRNA pathway in fragile X syndrome and discuss its implication in MR in general.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Abrar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Qurashi
authors.forename: Shuang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000235:genetics*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1; D035683:MicroRNAs