Non-coding RNAs and Exosomal Non-coding RNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury: the Small Player with Big Actions

Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Jul;60(7):4064-4083. doi: 10.1007/s12035-023-03321-y. Epub 2023 Apr 5.

Abstract

Nowadays, there is an increasing concern regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) worldwide since substantial morbidity is observed after it, and the long-term consequences that are not yet fully recognized. A number of cellular pathways related to the secondary injury in brain have been identified, including free radical production (owing to mitochondrial dysfunction), excitotoxicity (regulated by excitatory neurotransmitters), apoptosis, and neuroinflammatory responses (as a result of activation of the immune system and central nervous system). In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) maintain a fundamental contribution to post-transcriptional regulation. It has been shown that mammalian brains express high levels of ncRNAs that are involved in several brain physiological processes. Furthermore, altered levels of ncRNA expression have been found in those with traumatic as well non-traumatic brain injuries. The current review highlights the primary molecular mechanisms participated in TBI that describes the latest and novel results about changes and role of ncRNAs in TBI in both clinical and experimental research.

Keywords: Exosome; Long non-coding RNAs; MicroRNAs; Non-coding RNA; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain Injuries* / metabolism
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / genetics
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Mammals / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / metabolism
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Untranslated
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • MicroRNAs