The Role of MicroRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease

Finding the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases is part of the relentless search for more effective and disease-changing therapeutic approaches for these escalating threats to our health. In this chapter, we cover several aspects of miRNA regulation in neurodegenerative diseases in general and in AD in particular, and review findings on the sequential recruitment of brain miRNAs along disease stages and on the consequences of such recruitment to the molecular processes regulated by miRNAs, which underlie the structural, functional, inflammation-related, and behavioral impairments characteristic of AD. We cover the potential function of miRNAs within neurons and at the synapse and their role as controllers of neurite structures and synapse formation and maintenance, all of which lead to miRNA involvement in memory and behavior. We further discuss those miRNAs that participate in inflammatory processes and their link to nervous system functioning. Last, we discuss the future options for diagnostic and therapeutic use of miRNA measurements and manipulations, as well as potential limitations.