The interplay of microRNA and neuronal activity in health and disease

• Main Authors: Stephen Matthew Eacker, Ted M Dawson, Valina Lynn Dawson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2013-08-01
• Series: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
• Subjects: Epilepsy; Neuroprotective Agents; Stroke; microRNA; synaptic plasticity
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fncel.2013.00136/full

 MicroRNA (miRNA) are small 19-23nt regulatory RNAs that function by modulating mRNA translation and/or turnover in a sequence-specific fashion. In the nervous system, miRNA 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. MiRNA function is critical in pathological states related to over-excitation 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.