Roles of Non-coding RNAs in Central Nervous System Axon Regeneration

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.630633 · Published: February 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Central nerve injuries often lead to permanent disabilities because the damaged nerve fibers, called axons, don't regrow well. This review explores how non-coding RNAs, particularly lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA, might help. Non-coding RNAs are molecules that don't code for proteins but can control gene expression. Research suggests they play a key role in nerve regeneration after injuries like spinal cord injury and optic nerve injury. By understanding how these non-coding RNAs work and interact, scientists hope to develop new therapies to promote axon regeneration and restore function after CNS injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review article

Key Findings

1
miRNAs, such as microRNA-125b, can promote axon regeneration after spinal cord injury by influencing pathways like JAK/STAT and reducing apoptosis and inflammation.
2
lncRNAs, like lncRNA Malat1, play a role in neurite outgrowth, an early step in neuronal regeneration, by activating signaling pathways like MAPK/ERK.
3
circRNAs are differentially expressed after central nerve injuries and participate in biological processes like spinal cord development, synapse assembly, and inflammation.

Research Summary

This review summarizes the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms for central nerve regeneration, especially the roles of non-coding RNAs. After central nerve injury, many non-coding RNAs are expressed differently, suggesting they could help repair the nervous system. The review details the individual functions of lncRNA, microRNA, and circRNA, and it also explores how these non-coding RNAs interact with each other. Despite growing evidence linking dysregulated non-coding RNAs to axon regeneration in the CNS, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and translate these findings into clinical treatments.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

Non-coding RNAs may serve as therapeutic targets for promoting axon regeneration after CNS injuries, such as spinal cord injury and optic nerve injury.

Drug Discovery

Patient-derived cells could be reprogrammed into neurons for drug discovery related to nerve regeneration.

Non-invasive Therapies

Non-invasive approaches for delivering non-coding RNAs, such as miRNA mimics or inhibitors through oral or intravenous injection, are becoming more available and safer.

Study Limitations

1
Limited research on axon regeneration-associated non-coding RNAs in other types of CNS injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
2
Specific mechanisms of axon regeneration for circRNAs remain to be further studied.
3
Limited knowledge about the upstream factors of the non-coding RNAs involved in regeneration.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury