Premium
T he roles of extracellular vesicle micro RNA s in the central nervous system
Author(s) -
Blandford Stephanie N.,
Galloway Dylan A.,
Moore Craig S.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.23445
Subject(s) - microvesicles , biology , microrna , gene silencing , microbiology and biotechnology , extracellular vesicle , exosome , rna , context (archaeology) , extracellular , argonaute , rna interference , gene , genetics , paleontology
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non‐coding RNA molecules that post‐transcriptionally regulate protein expression and most biological processes. Mature miRNAs are recruited to the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) and target mRNAs via complementary base‐pairing, thus resulting in translational inhibition and/or transcript degradation. Here, we present evidence implicating miRNAs within extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, as mediators of central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis, and injury. EVs are extracellular vesicles that are secreted by all cells and represent a novel method of intercellular communication. In glial cells, the transfer of miRNAs via EVs can alter the function of recipient cells and significantly impacts cellular mechanisms involved in both injury and repair. This review discusses the value of information to be gained by studying miRNAs within EVs in the context of CNS diseases and their potential use in the development of novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.