Non-coding RNAs in Nervous System Development and Disease.

Beatrice Salvatori,Silvia Biscarini,Mariangela Morlando

doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.00273

Abstract

The rapid advance of RNA sequencing technologies contributed to a deep understanding of transcriptome composition and has allowed the discovery of a large number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The ability of these RNA molecules to be engaged in intricate and dynamic interactions with proteins and nucleic acids led to a great expansion of gene expression regulation mechanisms. By this matter, ncRNAs contribute to the increase in regulatory complexity that becomes highly specific between tissues and cell types. Among the ncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are especially abundant in nervous system and have been shown to be implicated in its development, plasticity and aging as well as in neurological disorders. This review provides an overview of how these two diverse classes of ncRNAs control cellular processes during nervous system development, physiology, and disease conditions with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders. The use of ncRNAs as biomarkers, tools, or targets for therapeutic intervention in neurodegeneration are also discussed.

Highlights

The development and function of the nervous system relies on complex and well-orchestrated gene expression regulation occurring at multiple levels, from transcription to RNA processing, translation, and decay
This review provides a comprehensive description of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circRNA biogenesis and function highlighting their involvement in nervous system development and physiology
The molecular mechanism allowing the circRNAs delivery at the neuronal periphery is still unknown, all the findings suggest a role for these RNAs in the formation and activity of specific neuronal structures: circRNAs might be selectively transported to synapses to regulate their activity functioning as sponges/cargo for miRNAs and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) (Figure 3E)

Summary

Introduction

The development and function of the nervous system relies on complex and well-orchestrated gene expression regulation occurring at multiple levels, from transcription to RNA processing, translation, and decay. LncRNAs show a crucial role in many stages of neuronal differentiation and specification by participating in gene expression control at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels.

Results

Conclusion