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Hidden regulators: the emerging roles of lncRNAs in brain development and disease

Authors :
Farah Alammari
Ensaf M. Al-Hujaily
Alaa Alshareeda
Nada Albarakati
Batla S. Al-Sowayan
Source :
Frontiers in Neuroscience, Vol 18 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical players in brain development and disease. These non-coding transcripts, which once considered as “transcriptional junk,” are now known for their regulatory roles in gene expression. In brain development, lncRNAs participate in many processes, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and synaptogenesis. They employ their effect through a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through interactions with chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and other regulatory molecules. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been associated with certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altered expression and function of specific lncRNAs have been implicated with disrupted neuronal connectivity, impaired synaptic plasticity, and aberrant gene expression pattern, highlighting the functional importance of this subclass of brain-enriched RNAs. Moreover, lncRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurological diseases. Here, we give a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge of lncRNAs. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the diversity of lncRNA structure and functions in brain development and disease. This holds promise for unravelling the complexity of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1662453X
Volume :
18
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.7a52afb3cb413ea1e5c3cad3842058
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2024.1392688