The pro-differentiating role of miR-124: indicating the road to become a neuron

RNA Biol. 2010 Sep-Oct;7(5):528-33. doi: 10.4161/rna.7.5.12262. Epub 2010 Sep 1.

Abstract

miRNAs are essential post-transcriptional modulators affecting cell identity and fate, with a central role in cellular and developmental processes. The brain-enriched neuronal specific miRNAs-124 has been identified as a promoter of neuronogenesis in various conditions, in vitro and in vivo, with a potential role in regulating also activities of post-mitotic neurons, such as synaptic plasticity and memory formation. In this point of view, we recapitulate the main experimental findings substantiating the positive correlation between miR-124 expression and neuronogenesis progression. Then, we describe the impact of miR-124 on the molecular network driving the profound changes which take place in differentiating neuronal cells. Finally, we consider the possibility of a post-transcriptional modulation of miR-124 biogenesis, which may finely regulate--in turn--the activities of miR-124 in neural precursor cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional

Substances

  • MIRN124 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Mirn124 microRNA, mouse