title: The interplay of microRNA and neuronal activity in health and disease.
abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 19-23 nucleotide regulatory RNAs that function by modulating mRNA translation and/or turnover in a sequence-specific fashion. In the nervous system, miRNAs 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. The miRNA function is critical in pathological states related to overexcitation 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.
authors.affiliation: Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Eacker
authors.forename: Ted M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Dawson
authors.forename: Valina L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Dawson
keywords: epilepsy; microRNA; neuroprotective agents; stroke; synaptic plasticity