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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0International Journal of Molecular Sciences

MicroRNAs in Neurodevelopment and Their Relationship with Neurological, Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases

  • Leonardo Catalano-Iniesta1,2,3
  • David Díez-Castro1,2,3
  • Josefa García-Barrado2,3,4
  • Marta Carretero-Hernández1,2,3
  • David Hernández-González1,2,3
  • Teresa Vicente-García5,6
  • Luis Torres7
  • José Carretero1,2,3
7 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
  2. 2Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
  3. 3Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity, Biosanitary Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
  4. 4Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
  5. 5Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
  6. 6Laboratory of Innovation in Nursing and Health Care, Biosanitary Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
  7. 7Department of Neurosurgery, Salamanca University Assistance Complex (CAUSA), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and play important roles in the development and function of the nervous system. Through the coordinated regulation of multiple target genes and signalling pathways, miRNAs participate in key neurodevelopmental processes, including neural progenitor proliferation and differentiation, neuronal specification and migration, morphological maturation, synaptic development, and circuit formation. Their functions are strongly dependent on developmental stage, cell type, brain region, and expression level, and the extent of mechanistic characterization varies considerably among individual miRNAs. This review examines well-characterized and emerging neurodevelopment-related miRNAs, including members of the miR-9, miR-34, miR-107, miR-124, miR-132, miR-134, miR-137, miR-181, miR-185, miR-191, miR-200, miR-218, and miR-344 families, integrating evidence on their molecular mechanisms and functions during nervous system development. Their dysregulation is further considered in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in selected rare and metabolic or endocrine disorders with neurological involvement. We also examine the potential of circulating and tissue-associated miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and the emerging therapeutic possibilities of miRNA modulation. Current evidence supports important roles for miRNAs in neurodevelopment and neurological disease but also highlights substantial differences between mechanistic and associative evidence. Methodological heterogeneity, differences between central and peripheral miRNA profiles, limited independent validation, and challenges associated with targeted delivery and off-target effects remain major barriers to their clinical translation.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{catalanoiniesta2026micrornas,
  title = {{MicroRNAs in Neurodevelopment and Their Relationship with Neurological, Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases}},
  author = {Leonardo Catalano-Iniesta and David Díez-Castro and Josefa García-Barrado and Marta Carretero-Hernández and David Hernández-González and Teresa Vicente-García and Luis Torres and José Carretero},
  journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3390/ijms27219539},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9539},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - MicroRNAs in Neurodevelopment and Their Relationship with Neurological, Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases
AU  - Leonardo Catalano-Iniesta
AU  - David Díez-Castro
AU  - Josefa García-Barrado
AU  - Marta Carretero-Hernández
AU  - David Hernández-González
AU  - Teresa Vicente-García
AU  - Luis Torres
AU  - José Carretero
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/25
JO  - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO  - 10.3390/ijms27219539
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9539
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and play important roles in the development and function of the nervous system. Through the coordinated regulation of multiple target genes and signalling pathways, miRNAs participate in key neurodevelopmental processes, including neural progenitor proliferation and differentiation, neuronal specification and migration, morphological maturation, synaptic development, and circuit formation. Their functions are strongly dependent on developmental stage, cell type, brain region, and expression level, and the extent of mechanistic characterization varies considerably among individual miRNAs. This review examines well-characterized and emerging neurodevelopment-related miRNAs, including members of the miR-9, miR-34, miR-107, miR-124, miR-132, miR-134, miR-137, miR-181, miR-185, miR-191, miR-200, miR-218, and miR-344 families, integrating evidence on their molecular mechanisms and functions during nervous system development. Their dysregulation is further considered in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in selected rare and metabolic or endocrine disorders with neurological involvement. We also examine the potential of circulating and tissue-associated miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and the emerging therapeutic possibilities of miRNA modulation. Current evidence supports important roles for miRNAs in neurodevelopment and neurological disease but also highlights substantial differences between mechanistic and associative evidence. Methodological heterogeneity, differences between central and peripheral miRNA profiles, limited independent validation, and challenges associated with targeted delivery and off-target effects remain major barriers to their clinical translation.
SN  - 1422-0067
ER  -