An emerging role for microRNAs in sexually dimorphic neurobiological systems Journal Article


Authors: Pak, T. R.; Rao, Y. S.; Prins, S. A.; Mott, N. N.
Article Title: An emerging role for microRNAs in sexually dimorphic neurobiological systems
Abstract: Over the past 20 years, our understanding of the basic mechanisms of gene regulation has vastly expanded due to the unexpected roles of small regulatory RNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs add another layer of complexity to the regulation of effector molecules for nearly every physiological process, making them excellent candidate molecules as therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and disease predictors. Hormonal contributions to mature miRNA expression, biosynthetic processing, and downstream functions have only just begun to be investigated. Elucidating the physiological consequences of miRNA sexual dimorphism, and their associated regulatory processes, may be key toward understanding both normal and pathological processes in the brain. This short review provides a basic overview of miRNA biosynthesis, their role in normal brain development, and potential links to neurological diseases. We conclude with a brief discussion of the current knowledge of sex-specific miRNA processes in both the brain and the heart to conceptually integrate the relevance of miRNAs with the overarching theme ("sex differences in health and disease: brain and heart connections") of this special topics issue.
Journal Title: Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology
Volume: 465
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1432-2013; 0031-6768
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: Germany
Date Published: 2013
Start Page: 655
End Page: 667
Language: eng
DOI/URL:
Notes: ID: 13035; GR: R01 AG033605/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; JID: 0154720; NIHMS444322; OID: NLM: NIHMS444322 [Available on 05/01/14]; OID: NLM: PMC3654055 [Available on 05/01/14]; PMCR: 2014/05/01 00:00; 2012/12/31 [received]; 2013/01/28 [accepted]; 2013/02/09 [aheadofprint]; ppublish