miRNAs in synapse development and synaptic plasticity.
Synapses are functional units of the nervous system, through which information is transferred between neurons. The development and activity-dependent modification of synapses require temporally and spatially controlled modulation of gene expression. microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as essential regulators of gene expression. They are small non-coding RNAs that regulate mRNA stability and translation by interacting with the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of mRNAs. miRNAs are located to neuronal processes to regulate protein synthesis locally and their expression is regulated by synaptic activity. This article reviews recent findings on the role of miRNAs in synapse development and synaptic plasticity.
Section on Synapse Development and Plasticity, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States; Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, United States.
Zhonghua
Z
Hu
Section on Synapse Development and Plasticity, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States. Electronic address: lizheng2@mail.nih.gov.
Zheng
Z
Li
D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*
D035683:MicroRNAs