The Ep？genet？c Regulat？on Of Memory: The Role Of M？crornas

“MicroRNAs (miRNAs)” are a class of non-coding RNAs defined as posttranscriptional regulators of protein synthesis. It is believed that this posttranscriptional regulation has been implicated in virtually all aspects of biological processes. Recently, it has been understood that miRNA-mediated regulation is critical for learning and memory formation which requires activity-dependent gene expression. Emerging evidence indicates that these endogenous RNAs are involved in not only normal brain functions such as learning and memory, but also the pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases in which cognitive functions are influenced. In this review, the roles of miRNAs in synaptic plasticity and their relation to some neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. With further elaboration of the role of miRNAs in neural plasticity, the door will be opened for the development of new diagnostic tests and genetic therapies for neurodegenerative diseases in which memory functions are impaired.