Roles of microRNAs in epilepsy

Abstract:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression by controlling the translation of messenger RNAs. Epilepsy is a chronic and debilitating brain disorder and occurs frequently in childhood. The brain expresses several unique miRNAs which are associated with epileptogenesis. As a new layer of gene expression in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, miRNAs have shed a new light on the potential to transform an understanding of the underlying mechanisms promising novel therapeutic targets and effective antiepileptogenic medications. This article reviews the roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of seizure-damage and pathophysiology of epileptogenesis.