MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNAs found in most plants and animals. The miRNA pathway regulates posttranscriptional gene expression through the deadenylation and translation repression of target mRNAs. Recent studies revealed that the early step of translation initiation is the target of "pure" translation repression by the miRNA pathway. Moreover, particularly in animals, the miRNA pathway is required for neuronal development, differentiation, and plasticity. In addition, some functions of miRNAs are regulated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in neuronal cells. This review summarizes new insights about the molecular mechanisms of pure translation repression by miRNA pathway and the communication between the miRNA pathway and RBPs in neuronal local translation.
Keywords: RNA-binding protein; deadenylation; local translation; microRNA; pure translation.