Role of microRNA pathway in mental retardation

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Abrar Qurashi, Emory University; Shuang Chang, Emory University; Peng Jin, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2007-11-02
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2007 Abrar Qurashi et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2007.208
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Scientific World Journal
• ISSN: 2356-6140
• Volume: 7
• Issue: SUPPL. 2
• Start Page: 146
• End Page: 154
• Keywords: Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein; MicroRNAs; Neurons; Animals; Intellectual Disability; Humans
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, General; Biology, Genetics

Abstract

Deficits in cognitive functions lead to mental retardation (MR). Understanding the genetic basis of inherited MR has provided insights into the pathogenesis of MR. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited MR, caused by the loss of functional Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded RNAs between 18 and 25 nucleotides in length, which have been implicated in diversified biological pathways. Recent studies have linked the miRNA pathway to fragile X syndrome. Here we review the role of the miRNA pathway in fragile X syndrome and discuss its implication in MR in general.