Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER FIVE
Diverse Functions of MicroRNAs
in Nervous System Development
Luisa Cochella
and
Oliver Hobert
Contents
1. Introduction
116
2. Diverse Roles of miRNAs in Nervous System Development and
Function
117
2.1. miRNAs act at all steps of neuronal development
117
127
2.2. miRNAs in glia development
2.3. miRNAs have highly context-dependent functions
129
131
3. Neuronal-Specific Aspects of miRNA Function
3.1. Subcellular localization and spatial regulation
131
3.2. Activity-dependent regulation of miRNA
biogenesis and activity
132
134
3.3. A role for miRNAs in generating neuronal diversity
4. Integration of miRNA Function into Gene Regulatory Networks
135
135
4.1. Switches or modulators with a few or “hundreds” of targets?
137
4.2. Network motifs involving miRNAs
5. Concluding Remarks
139
Acknowledgments
139
References
139
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are integral parts of the gene regulatory networks that
control most developmental processes. Through their regulatory action, miRNAs
introduce an additional layer of genetic complexity that can translate into
increased cellular diversity, something that is extremely relevant to nervous
system structure. In addition, miRNAs sharpen the spatial and temporal bound-
aries between different cellular states during development. Here, we illustrate
these roles with a number of specific miRNAs that act during distinct steps of
neural development. We further discuss specific aspects of miRNA function that
make these regulators particularly suited to provide the robustness and
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia
University Medical Center, New York, USA
