title: Thinking about RNA? MicroRNAs in the brain.
abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered class of small RNA molecules implicated in a wide range of diverse gene regulatory mechanisms. Interestingly, numerous miRNAs are expressed in a spatially and temporally controlled manner in the nervous system. This suggests that gene regulation networks based on miRNA activities may be particularly relevant in neurons. Recent studies show the involvement of RNA-mediated gene silencing in neurogenesis, neural differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and neurologic and psychiatric diseases. This review focuses on the roles of miRNAs in the gene regulation of the nervous system.
authors.affiliation: European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Fondazione EBRI, Rita Levi-Montalcini Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64/65, 00143 Roma, Italy. c.barbato@inmm.cnr.it
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barbato
authors.forename: Corinna
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giorgi
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Catalanotto
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cogoni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs