Background

A synapse is a fundamental signaling component that facilitates neuronal connectivity and information processing in the brain. Dynamic changes in the number, size, and functionality of synapse are induced by extensive signaling networks and structural proteins, which are stimulated on various neuronal activities. Changes in the expression level of synaptic proteins depend upon the physiological and pathological conditions at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have not only emerged as pivotal gene expression regulators in neurons, but also in diverse cell types. miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs that modulate mRNA stability and protein synthesis by interacting with 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of mRNAs. Often, miRNA expression is limited to specific neuronal compartments such as axons, dendrites, and cell body to locally regulate protein synthesis in response to various stimuli.

Objective

Increasing evidences suggest that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of neuronal proliferation, differentiation, migration, development, and many other processes. This article reviews recent findings on the role of miRNAs in synapse formation and function.

Conclusions

Many studies have elucidated the role of miRNAs in diverse neuronal physiological and pathological processes. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in miRNA functioning at the synapse will be beneficial in formulating novel therapeutic strategies.

中文翻译：

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依赖miRNA的突触形成和功能调节。

背景

突触是基本的信号传导成分，可促进大脑中的神经元连接和信息处理。突触的数量，大小和功能的动态变化是由广泛的信号网络和结构蛋白诱导的，这些蛋白在各种神经元活动中受到刺激。突触蛋白表达水平的变化取决于转录，转录后和翻译后水平的生理和病理状况。MicroRNA（miRNA）不仅已成为神经元中关键的基因表达调节剂，而且还出现在多种细胞类型中。miRNA是进化保守的小非编码RNA，可通过与mRNA的3'-非翻译区（3'-UTR）相互作用来调节mRNA的稳定性和蛋白质合成。经常，

目的

越来越多的证据表明，miRNA参与神经元增殖，分化，迁移，发育和许多其他过程的调节。本文回顾了有关miRNA在突触形成和功能中作用的最新发现。

结论

许多研究阐明了miRNA在各种神经元生理和病理过程中的作用。对miRNA在突触中起作用的机制的更好理解将有助于制定新的治疗策略。