Autism Spectrum Disorder and miRNA: An Overview of Experimental Models

• Main Authors: Giovanni Schepici, Eugenio Cavalli, Placido Bramanti, Emanuela Mazzon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-10-01
• Series: Brain Sciences
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder; mirna; experimental models
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/9/10/265

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, language, and in a limited repertoire of activities and interests. The etiology of ASD is very complex. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contribute to the onset of ASD. Researchers have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be one of the possible causes associated with ASD. miRNAs are small noncoding mRNAs that regulate gene expression, and they are often linked to biological processes and implicated in neurodevelopment. This review aims to provide an overview of the animal models and the role of the different miRNAs involved in ASD. Therefore, the use of animal models that reproduce the ASD and the identification of miRNAs could be a useful predictive tool to study this disorder.