Since the start of the 21st century, there has been an explosion in our understanding of regulatory mechanisms operating in the RNA realm, believed to be the origin of biological evolution. Multiple types of non-coding regulatory RNAs have been unveiled, revealing a rapidly evolving array of distinct mechanisms. In this landscape of mechanisms, microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs, have gathered substantial attention due to their central role in gene expression control within complex tissues like the nervous system. MicroRNAs execute precise gene expression modulation by influencing mRNA stability and translation into proteins. Their significance in orchestrating adaptive responses to environmental changes and information cues has also become evident. Thus, it's not surprising that recent investigations are uncovering the involvement of microRNAs in the development of pathological conditions, and their role in physiological responses to diseases. However, the mounting number of studies in this domain highlights the vast unexplored terrain.
This Collection of articles and reviews is dedicated to the exploration of this wide spectrum of topics, encompassing both normal and disease states within the nervous system. These studies specifically focus on the intricate regulatory mechanisms governed by microRNAs. The aspiration behind this compilation is to present a comprehensive Collection of recent findings and perspectives contributed by numerous experts in the field. This assemblage allows readers to efficiently delve into the emerging themes within this vital research domain and offers insight into the status of the field, recent breakthroughs in terms of both ideas and techniques, and the challenges and opportunities that lie on the horizon. By uniting a diverse array of discoveries and insights, we aim to provide readers with a broad view of the intricate interplay of microRNAs in the nervous system—shedding light on both the normal functioning and the aberrant states that underlie diseases, and its potential for future discoveries and advancements.
Disclosure Statement:Â Dr. Van Vactor and Dr. Aavula declare no conflicts of interest regarding this work.
