General hallmarks of microRNAs in brain evolution and development

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small non-coding RNA molecules that mediate post-transcriptional gene suppression by incomplete matches with their host mRNAs. In the central nervous system, miRNAs that functionally interact with their target genes constitute a flexible, robust and buffered regulatory network, exerting diverse roles in brain evolution and development. However, distinct variation either in hub miRNA expression levels or patterns may initiate and/or progress various adult-onset nerve-related diseases. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge about the general hallmarks of brain miRNAs that act as vital determinants in increasingly complicated neural activities. We endeavor to provide a constructive insight into the neuroscience research in the quest to comprehend molecular underpinnings of physiological functions and pathological disorders in central nervous system.