Decoding microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder

Authors：Li, Jinyu; Xu, Xiaohui; Liu, Jiane; Zhang, Sudan; Tan, Xiaohua; Li, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Jian^*; Wang, Zheng^*

Source：Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids, 2022, 30: 535-546.

DOI：10.1016/j.omtn.2022.11.005

• MATERNAL IMMUNE ACTIVATION
• DNA METHYLATION
• RETT-SYNDROME
• BRAIN
• DYSREGULATION
• EXPRESSION
• MECP2
• CELLS
• BIOGENESIS
• EXPOSURE

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-a congenital mental disor-der accompanied by social dysfunction and stereotyped behav-iors-has attracted a great deal of attention worldwide. A com-bination of genetic and environmental factors may determine the pathogenesis of ASD. Recent research of multiple ASD models indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role at the onset and progression of ASD by repressing the translation of key mRNAs in neural development and func-tions. As such, miRNAs show great potential to serve as biomarkers for ASD diagnosis or prognosis and therapeutic targets for the treatment of ASD. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms by which miRNAs influence ASD phenotypes through various in vivo and in vitro models, including necropsy specimens, animal models, cellular models, and, in particular, induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with ASD. We then discuss the potential of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for ASD currently being evaluated in preclinical studies.

• Institution
  青岛大学; 南方医科大学