Elsevier

Neuroscience Letters

Volume 466, Issue 2, 4 December 2009, Pages 63-68
Neuroscience Letters

Mini-review
What are the roles of microRNAs at the mammalian synapse?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2009.06.050Get rights and content

Abstract

The modification of neuronal connections in response to stimuli is believed to be the basis of long-term memory formation. It is currently accepted that local protein synthesis critically contributes to site-restricted modulation of individual synapses. Here, we summarize recent evidence implicating miRNAs in this process, leading to altered dendrite morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Second, we discuss findings in non-neuronal systems about how RNA-binding proteins can modulate miRNA–mRNA interactions, and how these mechanisms might apply to neurons. Finally, we review recent findings that P-bodies may be important sites for miRNA action at the synapse.

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Acknowledgements

We apologize for omitted references due to space restraints. We thank Natasha Bushati, Gunter Meister and Stefan Hüttelmaier for critical comments. MAK is supported by the FWF, the RNA quality programme (Eurocores, ESF) and the HFSP.

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