Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNA in Neuronal Function and Dysfunction

Advancements in RNA sequencing technologies in recent years have contributed greatly to our understanding of the transcriptome and the now widely recognized multifaceted functions of RNA. The discovery and functional analysis of an increasing number of novel small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has highlighted their importance as critical regulators of gene expression and brain function. In particular, two diverse classes of ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), are especially abundant in the nervous system and play roles in regulation of gene expression and protein translation, cellular stress responses and complex underlying pathophysiology of neurological diseases. This chapter will discuss the most recent findings highlighting the dysregulation, functions and regulatory roles of ncRNAs in the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological disorders and their relevance as novel biomarkers of injury and therapeutic agents.