MicroRNAs in the brain: It's regulatory role in neuroinflammation

Menaka C. Thounaojam, Deepak K. Kaushik, Anirban Basu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded non-coding regions of approximately 21 nucleotides that regulate protein synthesis by targeting mRNAs for translational repression or degradation at the post-transcriptional level. These classes of RNAs are highly conserved across species and are known to regulate several protein-coding genes in humans. Therefore, their dysregulation is synonymous with inflammation, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, viral infections, heart diseases, and cancer, among other conditions. Recent years have witnessed considerable amount of research interest in studies on miRNA-mediated modulation of gene function during neuroinflammation. This review is a meticulous compilation of information on biogenesis of miRNAs and their role in neuroinflammatory diseases. Further, their potential as markers of inflammatory diseases or novel therapeutic agents against neuroinflammation has also been discussed in detail.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1034-1044
Number of pages11
JournalMolecular Neurobiology
Volume47
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Central nervous system
  • MiRNA
  • Microglia
  • Neurodegenerative diseases
  • Neuroinflammation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'MicroRNAs in the brain: It's regulatory role in neuroinflammation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this