title: Decoding the non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are integral components of biological networks with fundamental roles in regulating gene expression. They can integrate sequence information from the DNA code, epigenetic regulation and functions of multimeric protein complexes to potentially determine the epigenetic status and transcriptional network in any given cell. Humans potentially contain more ncRNAs than any other species, especially in the brain, where they may well play a significant role in human development and cognitive ability. This review discusses their emerging role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a human pathological condition characterized by the progressive impairment of cognitive functions. We discuss the complexity of the ncRNA world and how this is reflected in the regulation of the amyloid precursor protein and Tau, two proteins with central functions in AD. By understanding this intricate regulatory network, there is hope for a better understanding of disease mechanisms and ultimately developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
authors.affiliation: Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI), Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. n.schonrock@victorchang.edu.au
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schonrock
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Götz
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / Q000378:metabolism; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016875:tau Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D035683:MicroRNAs; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D016875:tau Proteins; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases